The first thing I take note of each morning at practice is who is on the ice and who is not. Usually I ask my friend Ed who always arrives earlier than I do. Most of the time when players are missing it is something coach Martinson doesn't want reported in the blog. It could range from a player heading to the AHL, to the flu, to a sore ankle from blocking a puck, to a concussion, to pink eye.
- The one absence yesterday was Jeremy Brodeur and that meant only one thing, he was headed to San Jose. This could be a great opportunity for Jeremy because it is atypical. San Jose traded goalie Troy Grosenick three days ago so they need a back up goalie for the rest of the season. This isn't a short term fill in because of injury. If Brodeur performs well he could be with the Barracuda for a long time. Here is the press release issued by the San Jose Barracuda. http://www.sjbarracuda.com/news/detail/barracuda-sign-goaltender-jeremy-brodeur-to-pto
- Brodeur's replacement is Jake Paterson who was assigned to Allen today by the Milwaukee Admirals. Paterson was a third round draft of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2012 NHL draft. He will arrive in Allen in time to practice on Thursday and will be ready if called on this weekend.
- As for the Allen practice yesterday it was nice to see the guys having some fun with a three-on-three cross ice tournament to conclude practice. I heard a lot of chirping about which team won and who cheated. For the record the white jerseys claimed victory but the red jerseys disputed the win because the white jerseys didn't switch goalies as instructed by coach Martinson when he left the ice before the scrimmage started. I think Martinson accomplished exactly what he intended and that was for the guys to have some fun. With the team struggling it was great to see the smiles, chirping and good natured grief they were giving each other.
- As the month of February passes it is time to update the month by month record for the Americans. After a disastrous January (3-9) Allen fans were looking for a turnaround in February. It may be hard to remember but the month started out gangbusters. Allen beat Colorado at home on February 1st and 2nd by scores of 5-2 and 5-1. They traveled to Tulsa on February 3 and beat the Oilers 5-3. It sure looked like the turnaround had happened with three wins in three days while outscoring the opponents 15-6. Unfortunately after February 3rd the team finished the month losing seven of eight games.
- Here is Allen's monthly record, points earned and winning
percentage for each month of the season. As you can see the collapse in
January was significant. February wasn't a whole lot better after the three wins to start the month. March will be make or break for the Americans as they try and make the playoffs.
October 3-2-2-0 (8 of 14 points earned = .571)
November 7-4-0-1 (15 of 24 points earned = .625)
December 8-3-2-0 (18 of 26 points earned = .692)
January 3-9-0-0 (6 of 24 points earned = .250)
February 4-6-0-1 (9 of 22 points earned = .409)
- Kansas City goalie Mavric Parks was named ECHL Goalie of the Week yesterday based on his performance against Allen last week. Parks selection makes two of the last three weeks the Goalie of the Week earned the honor playing the Americans. Florida goalie Martin Ouellette was Goalie of the Week on February 13.
- If you watched the Dallas Stars game last night you saw a team that beat Calgary 2-0 but had no business winning the game other than goalie Ben Bishop stood on his head. I listened to Ken Hitchcock's post game press conference about his team's poor play and couldn't help but think how his comments apply to the the Allen Americans and how similar coach Martinson would describe a loss and what is needed to turn things around. Here are a few of Hitchcock's quotes. The first question asked was about how the game was weird and hard to get a handle on:
"A weird game, what did we give up, 30 scoring chances. You find that weird? I find it really pisses me off?"
"It is not technical, we are just being outworked and we are being outworked at the puck. When you are outworked at the puck you get outraced up the ice, you get beat on the boards, you get strangled on second opportunities and we don't have traffic at the net on a consistent basis. All the things good power plays have we have stopped doing."
"Every player in that locker room knows we can play better and they all know we are going to play better."
"Right now this has to matter a lot more to them (players) than to us (coaches). What I have to do is monitor that and I have to make sure to hold them accountable. As far as the emotion and everything that goes into it, that has to takes place in the locker room. It really comes down to who is leading and who wants it."
- While Allen is idle until Friday, other Mountain Division teams are in action. Last night Rapid City beat the Mavericks in Kansas City 2-1 and Wichita lost at home to Fort Wayne by a score of 5-3. Tonight Utah is at Quad City and Tulsa is at Colorado.
- Rapid City won in Kansas City last night, something Allen couldn't accomplish last weekend. Rapid City is idle until the games in Allen this weekend. Rapid City is 5-4-0-1 in their last 10 games, Allen is 3-6-0-1.
DID YOU KNOW: Not sure this stat proves/shows anything about the Americans but I took the time to compile the information so thought I would share. The best I could come up with is the team likes scoring odd number goals. The four odd numbers (1,3,5,7) were achieved in 70% of the games while the five even numbers (0,2,4,6,8) were achieved only 30% of the time. I know, I have gone too far (haha). Here are the number of times Allen has scored zero through eight goals this season.
0 goals - 5 times
1 goal - 9 times
2 goals - 4 times
3 goals - 16 times
4 goals - 4 times
5 goals - 11 times
6 goals - 3 times
7 goals - 2 times
8 goals - 1 time
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Practice Update, Potential Roster Changes, The Fight for the Playoffs - Comparing Remaining Schedule for Allen, Tulsa & Utah, The Ironmen, NHL Trade Deadline Impact
It was back to practice for the Allen Americans yesterday as they prepare for two home games this weekend against the Rapid City Rush. Under normal conditions you would expect Allen to get four points against the Rush. They are in last place in the Mountain Division and have the fewest points in the entire ECHL. But if you look behind the numbers it is a different story. Rapid City got off to a horrible start this season. At the end of December, Rapid City had only 16 points compared to 41 for Allen. However, since the beginning of January the Rush have earned 25 points and Allen has earned only 15 points. In other words, over the past two months Rapid City has been 10 points better then Allen.
- If you watch Allen practice often enough you can pick up a pattern and rhythm when there are four or five days between games. The first day back after a day off is always filled with more skating drills that concentrate as much on conditioning as anything else. As the week progresses the drills focus on areas for improvement but also a balance of work and fun. I have heard coach Martinson talk about this many times over the years. Even when the team is struggling like they are now, finding that balance between work and fun is very important. Sure Martinson wants the team to take all this losing to heart but he also doesn't want them down in the dumps all of the time. I would expect some time devoted to three-on-three cross ice scrimmaging which has a method to its madness but is also fun for the guys. Toward the end of the week things slow down, more time is spent on special teams and fine tuning the approach for the next opponent.
- Along with his coaching duties this week is very busy for general manager Martinson. When I touched base with him after practice yesterday he was monitoring the NHL trades since it was deadline day. What each and every NHL teams does has a ripple effect that impacts the AHL and ECHL. Obviously San Jose is the most important since what they do has a more direct impact on Allen. Tracking who are the buyers and sellers at the NHL level creates a chess match all the way down to the ECHL. Some organizations now have a surplus of players and others are short. It all could impact the ECHL as it relates to trades, loans and reassignments.
- The ECHL trade deadline is 10 days away so there is a lot of negotiating between teams that are trying to upgrade their roster for this season and others that are interested in getting future considerations which will turn into players for next season. I am sure coach Martinson is fully engaged in this process.
- The other resource that coach Martinson is spending a lot of time on this week is recruiting players that are just completing their college or junior eligibility. The first teams are just being eliminated from the playoffs with the better teams still playing. If you track the ECHL transactions you will notice some of these players being signed each day. It will still be a while before the best teams and most of the best players are available and many will try and get an AHL deal before signing with an ECHL team. Martinson typically brings in one or more of these players each season and there is no reason to believe that won't be the case again this season. It may be a tougher task than in the past since the best players want to join teams that will go deep in the playoffs and Allen has been faltering recently.
- Now that the NHL trade deadline has passed the next question is when might Allen get players assigned to the Americans. San Jose acquired two forwards in the last week and traded two forwards and a goalie. The Barracuda roster currently shows one goalie, eight defensemen and 15 forwards. The Barracuda don't play again until Friday. They could be looking for a goalie from Allen or they could send down a forward. Will just have to wait and see what happens.
- The bottom line is there are three different avenues for roster changes this week or next. It could be in the form of a trade, the signing of players out of college/juniors, or players could be reassigned from San Jose or some other AHL team. There is little doubt in my mind changes are coming, it is just a matter of time.
- Here is the Weekly Update issued by the Allen Americans which recaps last week, talks about next week and includes up to date stat leaders and fun facts: https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-weekly-update-11/
- Allen is in a tight race for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Mountain Division. Tulsa is in fourth place with 58 points, Allen is in fifth place with 56 points and Utah is in sixth place with 54 points. Here is a look at the remaining schedule for Allen, Tulsa and Utah.
Games remaining
17 - Allen (10 home, 7 away)
17 - Utah (7 home, 10 away)
16 - Tulsa (9 home, 7 away)
Games remaining against teams above .600
8 - Utah (Colorado 4, Idaho 2, Manchester 2)
7 - Allen (Colorado 4, Idaho 3)
4 - Tulsa (Colorado 3, Idaho 1)
Games remaining against teams below .400
6 - Tulsa (Rapid City 3, Quad City 3)
3 - Allen (Rapid City 3)
2 - Utah (Quad City 2)
Games remaining outside the Mountain Division
2 of 17 - Allen (Kansas City 2)
5 of 16 - Tulsa (Quad City 3, Kansas City 2)
9 of 17 - Utah (Kansas City 2, Quad City 2, Indy 2, Manchester 2, Worcester 1)
- Allen finishes the season with eight of their last nine games at home. If it all comes down to the last weekend of the season Allen has two home games against Idaho.
- Tulsa plays six of their last seven games at home and if it comes down to the last weekend of the season Tulsa has two home games against Rapid City.
- Utah plays five of their last eight games at home and if it comes down to the last weekend of the season Utah has two home games against Kansas City.
- If Allen, Tulsa and Utah are looking to catch third place Wichita (64 points) they can take solace in the fact Wichita has 16 games remaining but play 10 of their last 12 on the road.
- If you tracked the NHL trade deadline transactions yesterday there were 16 trades, 31 players traded and 18 draft picks exchanged. I saw several articles about the hardship of players and their families being uprooted. I am sure it is difficult for anyone that has to move and uproot their family but it also reminded me that players in the ECHL have 24 hours contracts, have virtually no job security and make a helluva lost less than the NHL players being moved. Here is a list of players that have played in Allen over the years that have been traded or released just in the last three weeks.
Nick Miglio - Kansas City to Colorado
Anthony Calabrese - Allen to Worcester to Greenville to Wheeling to Huntsville
Nolan Descoteaux - Indy to Wheeling
Jaynen Rissling - Wheeling to Indy
Marcus Basara - Allen to Wheeling
Joel Rumpel - Wichita to Utah
Garrett Klotz - Jacksonville to Kansas City
DID YOU KNOW: Joel Chouinard and Casey Pierro-Zabotel are the only players on the Allen Americans team that have played in all 55 games this season. Even more laudable is they both played in all 72 games for their team last season, Joel in Allen and Casey in Colorado.
I think one of the more undervalued statistics there is has to do with players that never miss a game. I call them the Ironmen and they are few and far between. In AA hockey with limited rosters and salary cap/budget issues, having a player that plays every game in a season is something special and valuable. That means playing with injuries, no AHL call ups and answering the bell each and every game. Congrats to all Allen Ironmen past and present! You will note it is a very exclusive club occupied by some very talented players.
2017-18 - Joel Chouinard, Casey Pierro-Zabotel (thru 55 games)
2016-17 - Chad Costello, Joel Chouinard
2015-16 - Chad Costello
2014-15 - Chad Costello, Aaron Gens, Jamie Schaafsma
2013-14 - Spencer Asuchak, Daniel Tetrault, Mike Berube
2012-13 - Jamie Schaafsma, Jason Deitsch
2011-12 - Jason Deitsch
2010-11 - Colton Yellow Horn, David Strathman
2009-10 - Bruce Graham, Christian Gaudet
- If you watch Allen practice often enough you can pick up a pattern and rhythm when there are four or five days between games. The first day back after a day off is always filled with more skating drills that concentrate as much on conditioning as anything else. As the week progresses the drills focus on areas for improvement but also a balance of work and fun. I have heard coach Martinson talk about this many times over the years. Even when the team is struggling like they are now, finding that balance between work and fun is very important. Sure Martinson wants the team to take all this losing to heart but he also doesn't want them down in the dumps all of the time. I would expect some time devoted to three-on-three cross ice scrimmaging which has a method to its madness but is also fun for the guys. Toward the end of the week things slow down, more time is spent on special teams and fine tuning the approach for the next opponent.
- Along with his coaching duties this week is very busy for general manager Martinson. When I touched base with him after practice yesterday he was monitoring the NHL trades since it was deadline day. What each and every NHL teams does has a ripple effect that impacts the AHL and ECHL. Obviously San Jose is the most important since what they do has a more direct impact on Allen. Tracking who are the buyers and sellers at the NHL level creates a chess match all the way down to the ECHL. Some organizations now have a surplus of players and others are short. It all could impact the ECHL as it relates to trades, loans and reassignments.
- The ECHL trade deadline is 10 days away so there is a lot of negotiating between teams that are trying to upgrade their roster for this season and others that are interested in getting future considerations which will turn into players for next season. I am sure coach Martinson is fully engaged in this process.
- The other resource that coach Martinson is spending a lot of time on this week is recruiting players that are just completing their college or junior eligibility. The first teams are just being eliminated from the playoffs with the better teams still playing. If you track the ECHL transactions you will notice some of these players being signed each day. It will still be a while before the best teams and most of the best players are available and many will try and get an AHL deal before signing with an ECHL team. Martinson typically brings in one or more of these players each season and there is no reason to believe that won't be the case again this season. It may be a tougher task than in the past since the best players want to join teams that will go deep in the playoffs and Allen has been faltering recently.
- Now that the NHL trade deadline has passed the next question is when might Allen get players assigned to the Americans. San Jose acquired two forwards in the last week and traded two forwards and a goalie. The Barracuda roster currently shows one goalie, eight defensemen and 15 forwards. The Barracuda don't play again until Friday. They could be looking for a goalie from Allen or they could send down a forward. Will just have to wait and see what happens.
- The bottom line is there are three different avenues for roster changes this week or next. It could be in the form of a trade, the signing of players out of college/juniors, or players could be reassigned from San Jose or some other AHL team. There is little doubt in my mind changes are coming, it is just a matter of time.
- Here is the Weekly Update issued by the Allen Americans which recaps last week, talks about next week and includes up to date stat leaders and fun facts: https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-weekly-update-11/
- Allen is in a tight race for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Mountain Division. Tulsa is in fourth place with 58 points, Allen is in fifth place with 56 points and Utah is in sixth place with 54 points. Here is a look at the remaining schedule for Allen, Tulsa and Utah.
Games remaining
17 - Allen (10 home, 7 away)
17 - Utah (7 home, 10 away)
16 - Tulsa (9 home, 7 away)
Games remaining against teams above .600
8 - Utah (Colorado 4, Idaho 2, Manchester 2)
7 - Allen (Colorado 4, Idaho 3)
4 - Tulsa (Colorado 3, Idaho 1)
Games remaining against teams below .400
6 - Tulsa (Rapid City 3, Quad City 3)
3 - Allen (Rapid City 3)
2 - Utah (Quad City 2)
Games remaining outside the Mountain Division
2 of 17 - Allen (Kansas City 2)
5 of 16 - Tulsa (Quad City 3, Kansas City 2)
9 of 17 - Utah (Kansas City 2, Quad City 2, Indy 2, Manchester 2, Worcester 1)
- Allen finishes the season with eight of their last nine games at home. If it all comes down to the last weekend of the season Allen has two home games against Idaho.
- Tulsa plays six of their last seven games at home and if it comes down to the last weekend of the season Tulsa has two home games against Rapid City.
- Utah plays five of their last eight games at home and if it comes down to the last weekend of the season Utah has two home games against Kansas City.
- If Allen, Tulsa and Utah are looking to catch third place Wichita (64 points) they can take solace in the fact Wichita has 16 games remaining but play 10 of their last 12 on the road.
- If you tracked the NHL trade deadline transactions yesterday there were 16 trades, 31 players traded and 18 draft picks exchanged. I saw several articles about the hardship of players and their families being uprooted. I am sure it is difficult for anyone that has to move and uproot their family but it also reminded me that players in the ECHL have 24 hours contracts, have virtually no job security and make a helluva lost less than the NHL players being moved. Here is a list of players that have played in Allen over the years that have been traded or released just in the last three weeks.
Nick Miglio - Kansas City to Colorado
Anthony Calabrese - Allen to Worcester to Greenville to Wheeling to Huntsville
Nolan Descoteaux - Indy to Wheeling
Jaynen Rissling - Wheeling to Indy
Marcus Basara - Allen to Wheeling
Joel Rumpel - Wichita to Utah
Garrett Klotz - Jacksonville to Kansas City
DID YOU KNOW: Joel Chouinard and Casey Pierro-Zabotel are the only players on the Allen Americans team that have played in all 55 games this season. Even more laudable is they both played in all 72 games for their team last season, Joel in Allen and Casey in Colorado.
I think one of the more undervalued statistics there is has to do with players that never miss a game. I call them the Ironmen and they are few and far between. In AA hockey with limited rosters and salary cap/budget issues, having a player that plays every game in a season is something special and valuable. That means playing with injuries, no AHL call ups and answering the bell each and every game. Congrats to all Allen Ironmen past and present! You will note it is a very exclusive club occupied by some very talented players.
2017-18 - Joel Chouinard, Casey Pierro-Zabotel (thru 55 games)
2016-17 - Chad Costello, Joel Chouinard
2015-16 - Chad Costello
2014-15 - Chad Costello, Aaron Gens, Jamie Schaafsma
2013-14 - Spencer Asuchak, Daniel Tetrault, Mike Berube
2012-13 - Jamie Schaafsma, Jason Deitsch
2011-12 - Jason Deitsch
2010-11 - Colton Yellow Horn, David Strathman
2009-10 - Bruce Graham, Christian Gaudet
Monday, February 26, 2018
Good News Monday, Martinson's Coaching Record, Remaining Schedule, Shooting Percentages, Reliving the 2013 Championship & Best Road Teams in ECHL History
I want to start this morning by thanking all of you, the regular readers of the blog, who continue to stop by each day even though it hasn't been a happy place lately. This hit home to me yesterday when my lovely wife (aka Nancy), who if you are a regular reader of the blog are aware she has tried to do away with me in the past, declared she was no longer going to proofread the blog each morning. When I inquired why she said, "It is so depressing to read recently and I don't need to start my day that way."
- So to placate the lovely wife (and proofreader) and give you a respite from what has been some dour blog posts I thought today's blog should be free of negative stats that show why the team has been struggling and focus on other news. Here goes.
- The NHL trade deadline is this afternoon and with the trickle down effect when NHL teams gain and lose players, this can have an impact on AHL and ECHL affiliates. Yesterday the San Jose Sharks traded goalie Troy Grosenick and forward Brandon Bollig to the Nashville Predators for a sixth round draft pick in the 2018 draft. Both players were playing with the Barracuda this season. There will be a lot of player movement between today and the ECHL trade deadline which is March 8. Whether the San Jose organization ends up with more players or fewer players remains to be seen which in turn could impact the Allen Americans roster.
- Steve Martinson is in his 22nd year as a head coach and most everyone knows he has won 10 championships in those 22 years. Not as well known is the fact that he has missed the playoffs only one time in 22 years. In 2011-12 Martinson was the coach of a new ECHL franchise, the Chicago Express. They lasted just one season and didn't make the playoffs. When I first interviewed him I asked coach Martinson about that season and he told me, "Even though that Chicago team lost seven players to the AHL, had seven season ending injuries and unbeknownst to me the team was folding it was tough missing the playoffs." My point being is there is nobody grinding harder to get this team to the playoffs than the coach.
- David Makowski leads the ECHL or is tied for the lead among all defensemen in points (45), assists (35), power play assists (17), shots (188) and points per game (.94). Joel Chouinard is tied for the lead in power play points (21).
- Allen's schedule the rest of the season is quite favorable. They have 17 games remaining and 10 of them are at home. All but two games are against Mountain Division teams. The Americans have a tough six game road trip between March 7-18 where they travel to Idaho, Utah (2 games), Rapid City and Colorado (2 games). That road trip will be both a challenge and an opportunity.
- When Allen returns home on March 19 from the six game road trip they will play eight of their last nine games at home. The only road game is to Wichita.
- The average shooting percentage among NHL forwards is around 11% and anything above 14% is considered excellent. Here are the four Allen players with shooting percentages at 14% or above.
21.3% - Olivier Archambault
17.1% - Alex Guptill
14.3% - Zach Pochiro
14.0% - Casey Pierro-Zabotel
- How important can just one player be to the success of the team? Olivier Archambault has played in 19 games for Allen this season. In the 14 games when he had a point Allen's record was 8-4-2-0. In the five games he didn't have a point their record was 1-4-0-0.
- I am going to have to stretch to turn this into good news but I will give it a try. On the way back to Allen Saturday night after losing two games to Kansas City the Americans got a wake up call. Something hit the windshield and shattered it. The good news is nobody was injured and it was on the right side so they were able to continue on to Allen. Tommy Daniels was in front of the windshield when this happened. It is uncertain what caused the damage but there was some thought it was a bird.
- Tried to think of the best video from the past for this no bad news day and decided on the end of the greatest game in team history for my money. It was overtime in game seven of the 2013 CHL championship against the Wichita Thunder. If you were at that game you can still get the feeling just from watching this video. Todd Robinson got all of the glory but I always like to point out the great stretch pass from defenseman Mike Montgomery that set up that play. Mike retired after that season even though he had only played three years of pro hockey. And he retired with quite the trifecta of hockey championships. He won the prestigious Minnesota High School championship scoring the lone goal in the championship game. Mike went on to win the NCAA championship as the captain at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He added a professional championship with Allen and then called it a career. If you want to read about a class guy who had a great story check out this one about Mike from 2012. http://allenamericansblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/mike-montgomery-player-profile.html
The playoff MVP in that first championship season was another Minnesotan, Brian McMillin. It just so happens today is Brian's 30th birthday so happy birthday to him.
Here is the video of the conclusion of the greatest game in Allen Americans history:
DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans have always been a great road team. In their first three seasons in the ECHL the Americans road record was 67-30-10. That is the highest winning percentage of any team in ECHL history which includes about 80 different teams. Here are the top five with their road record in parentheses.
.667 Allen Americans (67-30-10)
.600 Idaho Steelheads (275-174-55)
.595 Florida Everblades (372-243-66)
.575 Fort Wayne Komets (94-67-19)
.570 Peoria Rivermen (162-122-31)
- So to placate the lovely wife (and proofreader) and give you a respite from what has been some dour blog posts I thought today's blog should be free of negative stats that show why the team has been struggling and focus on other news. Here goes.
- The NHL trade deadline is this afternoon and with the trickle down effect when NHL teams gain and lose players, this can have an impact on AHL and ECHL affiliates. Yesterday the San Jose Sharks traded goalie Troy Grosenick and forward Brandon Bollig to the Nashville Predators for a sixth round draft pick in the 2018 draft. Both players were playing with the Barracuda this season. There will be a lot of player movement between today and the ECHL trade deadline which is March 8. Whether the San Jose organization ends up with more players or fewer players remains to be seen which in turn could impact the Allen Americans roster.
- Steve Martinson is in his 22nd year as a head coach and most everyone knows he has won 10 championships in those 22 years. Not as well known is the fact that he has missed the playoffs only one time in 22 years. In 2011-12 Martinson was the coach of a new ECHL franchise, the Chicago Express. They lasted just one season and didn't make the playoffs. When I first interviewed him I asked coach Martinson about that season and he told me, "Even though that Chicago team lost seven players to the AHL, had seven season ending injuries and unbeknownst to me the team was folding it was tough missing the playoffs." My point being is there is nobody grinding harder to get this team to the playoffs than the coach.
- David Makowski leads the ECHL or is tied for the lead among all defensemen in points (45), assists (35), power play assists (17), shots (188) and points per game (.94). Joel Chouinard is tied for the lead in power play points (21).
- Allen's schedule the rest of the season is quite favorable. They have 17 games remaining and 10 of them are at home. All but two games are against Mountain Division teams. The Americans have a tough six game road trip between March 7-18 where they travel to Idaho, Utah (2 games), Rapid City and Colorado (2 games). That road trip will be both a challenge and an opportunity.
- When Allen returns home on March 19 from the six game road trip they will play eight of their last nine games at home. The only road game is to Wichita.
- The average shooting percentage among NHL forwards is around 11% and anything above 14% is considered excellent. Here are the four Allen players with shooting percentages at 14% or above.
21.3% - Olivier Archambault
17.1% - Alex Guptill
14.3% - Zach Pochiro
14.0% - Casey Pierro-Zabotel
- How important can just one player be to the success of the team? Olivier Archambault has played in 19 games for Allen this season. In the 14 games when he had a point Allen's record was 8-4-2-0. In the five games he didn't have a point their record was 1-4-0-0.
- I am going to have to stretch to turn this into good news but I will give it a try. On the way back to Allen Saturday night after losing two games to Kansas City the Americans got a wake up call. Something hit the windshield and shattered it. The good news is nobody was injured and it was on the right side so they were able to continue on to Allen. Tommy Daniels was in front of the windshield when this happened. It is uncertain what caused the damage but there was some thought it was a bird.
- Tried to think of the best video from the past for this no bad news day and decided on the end of the greatest game in team history for my money. It was overtime in game seven of the 2013 CHL championship against the Wichita Thunder. If you were at that game you can still get the feeling just from watching this video. Todd Robinson got all of the glory but I always like to point out the great stretch pass from defenseman Mike Montgomery that set up that play. Mike retired after that season even though he had only played three years of pro hockey. And he retired with quite the trifecta of hockey championships. He won the prestigious Minnesota High School championship scoring the lone goal in the championship game. Mike went on to win the NCAA championship as the captain at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He added a professional championship with Allen and then called it a career. If you want to read about a class guy who had a great story check out this one about Mike from 2012. http://allenamericansblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/mike-montgomery-player-profile.html
The playoff MVP in that first championship season was another Minnesotan, Brian McMillin. It just so happens today is Brian's 30th birthday so happy birthday to him.
 |
| Happy 30th birthday to 2013 Playoff MVP Brian McMillin |
Here is the video of the conclusion of the greatest game in Allen Americans history:
DID YOU KNOW: The Allen Americans have always been a great road team. In their first three seasons in the ECHL the Americans road record was 67-30-10. That is the highest winning percentage of any team in ECHL history which includes about 80 different teams. Here are the top five with their road record in parentheses.
.667 Allen Americans (67-30-10)
.600 Idaho Steelheads (275-174-55)
.595 Florida Everblades (372-243-66)
.575 Fort Wayne Komets (94-67-19)
.570 Peoria Rivermen (162-122-31)
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Allen Shut Out by Kansas City 1-0, Game Recap, Losses are Piling Up, Americans Now Outside Looking in at Playoffs, Shut Out History and More
Another sold out crowd of 5800 at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena last night watched the Kansas City Mavericks shutout the Allen Americans 1-0 and sweep the weekend series. For the Americans it was the third weekend in a row they have been swept (Florida, Utah, Kansas City).
- When things are going badly there seems to be endless ways to lose. Allen has lost four in a row, seven of their last eight, 13 of their last 18 games and 18 of their last 25. The problem last night was the Americans couldn't produce any offense. They had a total of 11 shots in the first 40 minutes of play including a paltry three shots in the second period. Allen dominated the third period out shooting the Mavericks 11-5 but could not get the equalizer.
- The Allen power play continued its downward spiral going 0-3. The power play is 2-43 (4.7%) over the last eight games and has dropped to 17.0% for the season. On the plus side the Allen penalty kill unit killed off the two power play opportunities for the Mavericks.
- After allowing six goals on Friday night to a team that is ranked #26 in the league averaging 2.73 goals per game the Americans played much better defensively last night. They allowed Kansas City only 27 shots and the one lone goal. The only goal of the game came at the 13 minute mark of the first period. Allen won a faceoff in their own zone but a turnover and missed defensive assignment left a Mavericks player all alone in front of the net. Here are two views of the goal. One from behind the net and a wide view. Notice Pierro-Zabotel wins the draw, both defensemen go for the puck leaving the front of the net wide open. The Kansas City player has time to take a shot, gather the rebound and poke the puck in the net.
Behind the net view: https://sporfie.app.link/TqywW1NqOK
Wide angle view: https://sporfie.app.link/9gmv94NqOK
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-swept-weekend-set-kc/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Kansas City Mavericks: http://kcmavericks.com/news/?article_id=1113
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Americans headed home right after the game on what had to be another bus trip that seemed much longer than the 480 miles they had to travel. Allen doesn't play again until they take on the Rapid City Rush at home on Friday and Saturday. Another week of practice to try and get back on track.
- Allen has now gone 92:59 without scoring a goal. They have lost seven of the last eight games and averaged 1.75 goals per game over that stretch.
- Last season the longest losing streak for Allen was four games which happened once in late October. This season they have had losing streaks of six games, five games and four games (twice).
- In other Mountain Division action last night Tulsa beat Colorado 6-3, Utah beat Wichita 5-4 in a shootout and Idaho beat Rapid City 3-0. Dreams of finishing in second or third place in the division are fading fast as Allen tries to just make it into the playoffs. After last night the Americans occupy fifth place in the division, two points behind fourth place Tulsa and two points ahead of sixth place Utah. Here are the current Mountain Division standings with games played in parentheses. Allen fans have never seen standings that look like this at the end of February. Notice the Americans are closer to last place than they are to first place and keep in mind Rapid City has the fewest points in the entire ECHL.
76 points - Colorado (55 games)
70 points - Idaho (56 games)
64 points - Wichita (56 games)
58 points - Tulsa (56 games)
56 points - Allen (55 games)
54 points - Utah (55 games)
41 points - Rapid City (54 games)
- Tulsa and Utah both play on Wednesday so Allen could be in worse shape before they have the chance to add to their point total on Friday. Utah plays four games this week (two each at Quad City and Indy). Tulsa plays in Colorado three times this week.
- Five ECHL teams have reached the 75 point mark in the standings. There is still 25% of the regular season remaining but keep in mind the eventual Kelly Cup champion almost always finishes in the top five in points during the regular season. Here are the top five:
78 points - Florida
77 points - Fort Wayne
76 points - Toledo
76 points - South Carolina
76 points - Colorado
- There is another auction taking place at https://one.bidpal.net/goamericans/browse/all that ends tonight at 9:00 pm. Several different jerseys including a couple of the Olympic/winter sports jerseys that were so popular, Sponge Bob jersey, autographed mini helmets, pucks, workout jerseys, sticks, photos and much more. Some real bargains can be had!
DID YOU KNOW: The shutout last night was the fifth of the season and second in the last two weeks against the Americans. Allen has been shut out five times in the first 55 games this season. In their first three years in the ECHL, a total of 216 games, Allen was shutout a total five times.
- When things are going badly there seems to be endless ways to lose. Allen has lost four in a row, seven of their last eight, 13 of their last 18 games and 18 of their last 25. The problem last night was the Americans couldn't produce any offense. They had a total of 11 shots in the first 40 minutes of play including a paltry three shots in the second period. Allen dominated the third period out shooting the Mavericks 11-5 but could not get the equalizer.
- The Allen power play continued its downward spiral going 0-3. The power play is 2-43 (4.7%) over the last eight games and has dropped to 17.0% for the season. On the plus side the Allen penalty kill unit killed off the two power play opportunities for the Mavericks.
- After allowing six goals on Friday night to a team that is ranked #26 in the league averaging 2.73 goals per game the Americans played much better defensively last night. They allowed Kansas City only 27 shots and the one lone goal. The only goal of the game came at the 13 minute mark of the first period. Allen won a faceoff in their own zone but a turnover and missed defensive assignment left a Mavericks player all alone in front of the net. Here are two views of the goal. One from behind the net and a wide view. Notice Pierro-Zabotel wins the draw, both defensemen go for the puck leaving the front of the net wide open. The Kansas City player has time to take a shot, gather the rebound and poke the puck in the net.
Behind the net view: https://sporfie.app.link/TqywW1NqOK
Wide angle view: https://sporfie.app.link/9gmv94NqOK
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-swept-weekend-set-kc/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Kansas City Mavericks: http://kcmavericks.com/news/?article_id=1113
OTHER COMMENTS
- The Americans headed home right after the game on what had to be another bus trip that seemed much longer than the 480 miles they had to travel. Allen doesn't play again until they take on the Rapid City Rush at home on Friday and Saturday. Another week of practice to try and get back on track.
- Allen has now gone 92:59 without scoring a goal. They have lost seven of the last eight games and averaged 1.75 goals per game over that stretch.
- Last season the longest losing streak for Allen was four games which happened once in late October. This season they have had losing streaks of six games, five games and four games (twice).
- In other Mountain Division action last night Tulsa beat Colorado 6-3, Utah beat Wichita 5-4 in a shootout and Idaho beat Rapid City 3-0. Dreams of finishing in second or third place in the division are fading fast as Allen tries to just make it into the playoffs. After last night the Americans occupy fifth place in the division, two points behind fourth place Tulsa and two points ahead of sixth place Utah. Here are the current Mountain Division standings with games played in parentheses. Allen fans have never seen standings that look like this at the end of February. Notice the Americans are closer to last place than they are to first place and keep in mind Rapid City has the fewest points in the entire ECHL.
76 points - Colorado (55 games)
70 points - Idaho (56 games)
64 points - Wichita (56 games)
58 points - Tulsa (56 games)
56 points - Allen (55 games)
54 points - Utah (55 games)
41 points - Rapid City (54 games)
- Tulsa and Utah both play on Wednesday so Allen could be in worse shape before they have the chance to add to their point total on Friday. Utah plays four games this week (two each at Quad City and Indy). Tulsa plays in Colorado three times this week.
- Five ECHL teams have reached the 75 point mark in the standings. There is still 25% of the regular season remaining but keep in mind the eventual Kelly Cup champion almost always finishes in the top five in points during the regular season. Here are the top five:
78 points - Florida
77 points - Fort Wayne
76 points - Toledo
76 points - South Carolina
76 points - Colorado
- There is another auction taking place at https://one.bidpal.net/goamericans/browse/all that ends tonight at 9:00 pm. Several different jerseys including a couple of the Olympic/winter sports jerseys that were so popular, Sponge Bob jersey, autographed mini helmets, pucks, workout jerseys, sticks, photos and much more. Some real bargains can be had!
DID YOU KNOW: The shutout last night was the fifth of the season and second in the last two weeks against the Americans. Allen has been shut out five times in the first 55 games this season. In their first three years in the ECHL, a total of 216 games, Allen was shutout a total five times.
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Allen Loses to Kansas City 6-3, Game Recap, Steve Martinson's Comments, Rematch Preview, Historical Goal Differential Stats Say a Lot and More
The game last night between Allen and Kansas City was guaranteed to be a slumpbuster since both teams were struggling mightily. The Americans scored first, took a 3-1 lead early in the second period and had a 3-2 lead at the second intermission which were all good signs of a victory. After all, Allen's record was 20-4-1-0 when scoring first and 19-2-0-1 when leading after the second period.
- It wasn't meant to be as the Mavericks, who had lost eight straight games, outscored Allen 4-0 in the third period to earn a 6-3 comeback win, break their slump and send a sold out crowd of 5800 at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena home happy.
- The struggles continue for the Americans who are in unfamiliar territory. They have lost three in a row, six of their last seven, 12 of their last 17 games and 17 of their last 24. Allen is now tied with Tulsa for the final playoff spot in the Mountain Division.
- The goal scorers for Allen were Alex Guptill (21), Vincent Arseneau (15) and Spencer Asuchak (8).
- All three Allen goals were scored when the teams were at even strength. The Americans were not able to capitalize on four power play opportunities. An ineffective power play has coincided with the Americans losing six of their last seven games. The power play is 2-40 (5.0%) over the last seven games. The Allen power play was ranked #4 in the league just a month ago at 20.6%. It is now ranked #13 at 17.2%.
- The Allen penalty kill unit gave up one power play goal (1-5) and has allowed at least one power play goal in the last four games. The penalty kill percentage has not been good most of the season and is ranked #23 in the ECHL at 79.8%.
- Here is the game recap with three observations issued by the Mavericks: http://kcmavericks.com/news/?article_id=1111
- Here are the post game comments from Steve Martinson:
"The first, fourth and fifth Kansas City goals were plain and simple soft defending on our part. We just aren't defending hard enough."
"Their second goal was scored on an unforced error when we had full possession of the puck."
"Their power play goal was a breakdown after our defenseman got hurt blocking a shot."
ALLEN VS KANSAS CITY REMATCH
- Game time tonight for the rematch is 7:35 pm and to say the Americans need to play desperate would be an understatement. Wichita, Idaho and Tulsa all lost last night but the Oilers lost in a shootout so they gained one point. To be where Allen is in the standings after losing 17 of their last 24 games is quite fortunate. They need to get this turned around quickly. After tonight the Americans will have only seven road games and 10 home games left in the season.
- If you are looking for some good news from the game last night that can carryover to tonight it would be the great start for the Americans. They rarely lose when they score first and have a lead after the second period. They need to repeat that performance and keep it going for the full 60 minutes. Like many stats this season the third period has been much different than in the past. Allen has historically dominated the third period. Last season the Americans outscored their opponents 120-59 in the third period. This season Allen has scored 58 third period goals but allowed 68.
- Another good sign last night was Allen limited Kansas City to 30 shots on goal and had 29 of their own. Allen's shooting percentage (10.3%) is a lot higher than the Mavericks (8.5%) so even shot totals gives the advantage to the Americans.
- It was a tough night in goal for Jeremy Brodeur who got little help from the defense. He faced only 29 shots but allowed five goals for a save percentage of .828. With Stephon Williams at home recovering from an injury and Allen going with an EBUG it will be Brodeur in goal again tonight. If you look at his stats Jeremy always comes back with a big game after a save percentage below .900 so look for him to do that again tonight.
- Allen played short a player last night and will probably do so again tonight. I did notice the Mavericks released forward Nick Miglio yesterday. He played briefly for Allen in 2015-16. Since he is in Kansas City I wonder if Allen could claim him off waivers or sign him as a free agent if he cleared waivers and put him in the lineup tonight. Not sure how all of those rules work and it is a long shot for sure.
- Here is the game preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-face-mavericks-tonight/
- Officials scheduled for the game are referee Jonathan Sitarski (#23) and linesmen Addison Brush (#80) and Andy Bethmann (#95).
OTHER COMMENTS
- I mentioned earlier Allen didn't lose much ground in the division standings even though they lost last night. Rapid City beat Idaho 4-2, Utah beat Wichita 7-3 and Colorado beat Tulsa 2-1 in a shootout. That is about as good an outcome Allen could hope for. Moving up in the standings looks less likely for Allen as each game passes. The Americans are 20 points from first place, 12 from second place and seven from third place with 18 games remaining. All of the Mountain Division teams play the same opponent tonight.
- The battle for Allen at this point is for the final playoff spot. Utah has won four straight games to join the fray with Tulsa and Allen. The Americans and Oilers are tied with 56 points, Utah has 52 points.
- Olivier Archambault did not play last night in the Syracuse Crunch's 2-1 win over Lehigh Valley. Archambault has not played in the last two Syracuse games. The way he has been playing I would assume he must be injured or he would be in the line up.
- The San Jose Barracuda lost 4-1 to Bakersfield last night. The Barracuda have lost eight of their last nine games and have fallen to last place in the eight team Pacific Division. Colby McAuley was in the lineup last night and had one shot on goal. Alex Schoenborn did not play. San Jose does not play again until next Friday so if they are inclined to send a player back to Allen that should happen today.
- The Marvel specialty jerseys are still being auctioned at http://www.meigrayauctions.com/ and many of the prices are very reasonable. Three of the jerseys have bids under $200 and 10 are right at $200. The auction ends Tuesday night.
- Here is a story that has a familiar ring to Allen fans. It is about Fort Wayne captain Jamie Schaafsma playing some games at defense for the Komets. Jamie won three championships in three seasons with Allen and was always willing to do whatever he could to help the team which included helping out on defense when the team was short defensemen. http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/02/22/komets-notes-jamie-schaafsma-defenseman-playing-smarter-and-a-great-month/
DID YOU KNOW: With Allen's 6-3 loss last night they have now scored exactly as many goals this season as they have allowed (176). The Americans high powered offense over the years has always scored more goals than they have allowed. Last season Allen finished second in the league scoring 294 goals. This season they are on pace to score 59 fewer goals (235). Last season Allen allowed the second fewest goals in the league (203). This season they are on pace to allow 32 more goal (235). Here are the historical goal differential numbers.
Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against)
2017-18: 0 (through 54 games)
2016-17: +91
2015-16: +18
2014-15: +89
2013-14: +35
2012-13: +34
2011-12: +37
2010-11: +60
2009-10: +27
- It wasn't meant to be as the Mavericks, who had lost eight straight games, outscored Allen 4-0 in the third period to earn a 6-3 comeback win, break their slump and send a sold out crowd of 5800 at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena home happy.
- The struggles continue for the Americans who are in unfamiliar territory. They have lost three in a row, six of their last seven, 12 of their last 17 games and 17 of their last 24. Allen is now tied with Tulsa for the final playoff spot in the Mountain Division.
- The goal scorers for Allen were Alex Guptill (21), Vincent Arseneau (15) and Spencer Asuchak (8).
- All three Allen goals were scored when the teams were at even strength. The Americans were not able to capitalize on four power play opportunities. An ineffective power play has coincided with the Americans losing six of their last seven games. The power play is 2-40 (5.0%) over the last seven games. The Allen power play was ranked #4 in the league just a month ago at 20.6%. It is now ranked #13 at 17.2%.
- The Allen penalty kill unit gave up one power play goal (1-5) and has allowed at least one power play goal in the last four games. The penalty kill percentage has not been good most of the season and is ranked #23 in the ECHL at 79.8%.
- Here is the game recap with three observations issued by the Mavericks: http://kcmavericks.com/news/?article_id=1111
- Here are the post game comments from Steve Martinson:
"The first, fourth and fifth Kansas City goals were plain and simple soft defending on our part. We just aren't defending hard enough."
"Their second goal was scored on an unforced error when we had full possession of the puck."
"Their power play goal was a breakdown after our defenseman got hurt blocking a shot."
ALLEN VS KANSAS CITY REMATCH
- Game time tonight for the rematch is 7:35 pm and to say the Americans need to play desperate would be an understatement. Wichita, Idaho and Tulsa all lost last night but the Oilers lost in a shootout so they gained one point. To be where Allen is in the standings after losing 17 of their last 24 games is quite fortunate. They need to get this turned around quickly. After tonight the Americans will have only seven road games and 10 home games left in the season.
- If you are looking for some good news from the game last night that can carryover to tonight it would be the great start for the Americans. They rarely lose when they score first and have a lead after the second period. They need to repeat that performance and keep it going for the full 60 minutes. Like many stats this season the third period has been much different than in the past. Allen has historically dominated the third period. Last season the Americans outscored their opponents 120-59 in the third period. This season Allen has scored 58 third period goals but allowed 68.
- Another good sign last night was Allen limited Kansas City to 30 shots on goal and had 29 of their own. Allen's shooting percentage (10.3%) is a lot higher than the Mavericks (8.5%) so even shot totals gives the advantage to the Americans.
- It was a tough night in goal for Jeremy Brodeur who got little help from the defense. He faced only 29 shots but allowed five goals for a save percentage of .828. With Stephon Williams at home recovering from an injury and Allen going with an EBUG it will be Brodeur in goal again tonight. If you look at his stats Jeremy always comes back with a big game after a save percentage below .900 so look for him to do that again tonight.
- Allen played short a player last night and will probably do so again tonight. I did notice the Mavericks released forward Nick Miglio yesterday. He played briefly for Allen in 2015-16. Since he is in Kansas City I wonder if Allen could claim him off waivers or sign him as a free agent if he cleared waivers and put him in the lineup tonight. Not sure how all of those rules work and it is a long shot for sure.
- Here is the game preview issued by the Allen Americans: https://allenamericans.com/americans-face-mavericks-tonight/
- Officials scheduled for the game are referee Jonathan Sitarski (#23) and linesmen Addison Brush (#80) and Andy Bethmann (#95).
OTHER COMMENTS
- I mentioned earlier Allen didn't lose much ground in the division standings even though they lost last night. Rapid City beat Idaho 4-2, Utah beat Wichita 7-3 and Colorado beat Tulsa 2-1 in a shootout. That is about as good an outcome Allen could hope for. Moving up in the standings looks less likely for Allen as each game passes. The Americans are 20 points from first place, 12 from second place and seven from third place with 18 games remaining. All of the Mountain Division teams play the same opponent tonight.
- The battle for Allen at this point is for the final playoff spot. Utah has won four straight games to join the fray with Tulsa and Allen. The Americans and Oilers are tied with 56 points, Utah has 52 points.
- Olivier Archambault did not play last night in the Syracuse Crunch's 2-1 win over Lehigh Valley. Archambault has not played in the last two Syracuse games. The way he has been playing I would assume he must be injured or he would be in the line up.
- The San Jose Barracuda lost 4-1 to Bakersfield last night. The Barracuda have lost eight of their last nine games and have fallen to last place in the eight team Pacific Division. Colby McAuley was in the lineup last night and had one shot on goal. Alex Schoenborn did not play. San Jose does not play again until next Friday so if they are inclined to send a player back to Allen that should happen today.
- The Marvel specialty jerseys are still being auctioned at http://www.meigrayauctions.com/ and many of the prices are very reasonable. Three of the jerseys have bids under $200 and 10 are right at $200. The auction ends Tuesday night.
- Here is a story that has a familiar ring to Allen fans. It is about Fort Wayne captain Jamie Schaafsma playing some games at defense for the Komets. Jamie won three championships in three seasons with Allen and was always willing to do whatever he could to help the team which included helping out on defense when the team was short defensemen. http://www.news-sentinel.com/sports/2018/02/22/komets-notes-jamie-schaafsma-defenseman-playing-smarter-and-a-great-month/
DID YOU KNOW: With Allen's 6-3 loss last night they have now scored exactly as many goals this season as they have allowed (176). The Americans high powered offense over the years has always scored more goals than they have allowed. Last season Allen finished second in the league scoring 294 goals. This season they are on pace to score 59 fewer goals (235). Last season Allen allowed the second fewest goals in the league (203). This season they are on pace to allow 32 more goal (235). Here are the historical goal differential numbers.
Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against)
2017-18: 0 (through 54 games)
2016-17: +91
2015-16: +18
2014-15: +89
2013-14: +35
2012-13: +34
2011-12: +37
2010-11: +60
2009-10: +27
Friday, February 23, 2018
Allen vs Kansas City Game Preview, The Long History Between the Americans and Mavericks, Kelly Cup MVPs, Why Aaron Dell Stays in San Jose and More
It is game day for the Allen Americans as they take on the Kansas City Mavericks (7:05 pm) at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. The teams will also play on Saturday night (7:35 pm). The game tonight will be the fifth of eight games between Allen and Kansas City this season. The first four meetings all took place in a 10 day period in December. On December 10 & 11 they split two games in Kansas City and on December 19 & 20 they split two games in Allen.
- If you are a long time Allen fan you know the rivalry between these teams runs deep. They are no longer in the same division so the rivalry may not be as strong as in the past but the history between these teams is unforgettable. Here is a little history lesson on the Allen vs Missouri/Kansas City rivalry:
Both franchises began in the same year (2009-10) and to overgeneralize a bit, Missouri has always been the "darling successful franchise" that could not win, while Allen was always the struggling "financially troubled franchise" that could not lose. In that very first year Missouri finished sixth in the conference while Allen went to the championship final eventually losing to Rapid City. In 2013 Allen eliminated Missouri in the playoffs on the way to their first championship. In 2014 Missouri was the best regular season team in the Central Hockey League (CHL) but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eighth seed (Arizona). Allen, who was the third seed, beat Denver for their second straight championship. Once coach Martinson arrived in Allen the CHL annual awards seemed to always be the same. Allen would have the championship trophy and Missouri would be the franchise of the year.
- The rivalry really heated up in 2014-15 when Allen assistant coach, Richard Matvichuk, was selected as Missouri's head coach. It was implied by some that Allen would struggle without Matvichuk who was in Allen for their first two championships. It didn't take long for skeptics to learn who was the teacher and who was the student. Allen beat Missouri eight straight times before losing to the Mavericks in overtime late in the season. Missouri didn't even make the playoffs and Allen went on to win their third straight championship and first Kelly Cup.
- 2015-16 may have been the topper for Allen fans as the Matvichuk led Mavericks had a record breaking season and were the class of the ECHL in the regular season. They had 20 more points than the Americans and were the ECHL's #1 seed going into playoffs.The Americans easily dispatched Missouri (4-2) in the second round of the playoffs on the way to their second straight Kelly Cup.
- Last season (2016-17) Allen's record against Missouri was 10-1-2-0 but the Americans had a disappointing playoff run losing to the eventual champions (Colorado) in the second round. Missouri failed to make the playoffs.
- I think rivalries are more for fans than players and coaches. Coach Martinson would always say it was just another game when Allen played Missouri but I think there was extra satisfaction when he beat his former assistant. Most of the current players aren't even aware of the past rivalry. Matvichuk has moved on to a very successful coaching career in the Western Hockey League (Prince George Cougars). On the ice there hasn't been much of a rivalry since the teams have joined the ECHL. Allen's record against Missouri is 25-8-4-0 overall and 11-5-1-0 in Missouri/Kansas City. Even though much has changed the rivalry endures. Who can forget the playoff "poogate" in Missouri when the Mavericks put stinkbait in the Americans locker room and coaches office prior to game six of the 2016 playoffs. The Mavericks were down in the series 3-2 at the time and it was win or go home for Missouri. The prank backfired on the Mavericks as the Americans, who were really pissed off, clobbered Missouri 5-1 and eliminated them from the playoffs. Coach Martinson's quote after the game was, "Don't throw fuel on the fire unless you want a bigger fire." Then there was the incident back in 2014 when Allen goalie Mark Guggenberger was fined for tripping the Missouri mascot (Mac). See the video below.
At least for the fans the rivalry continues every time Allen and Kansas City play. The one fact Allen fans can and will always point out until the Mavericks do something about it is the Americans have four championships while Missouri/Kansas City has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.
- Both Allen and Kansas City come into the game tonight trying to get back on the winning track. The Americans have lost 11 of their last 16 games including five of their last six. It is even worse for the Mavericks who haven't won a game the entire month of February and are on an eight game losing streak.
- In their four head to head games this season Allen and Kansas City have each scored 12 goals but as is typically the case with Allen opponents the Mavericks have a big advantage in shots (170-113). Allen is 50% on the power play (4-8) and Kansas City is 35.3% (6-17) on the power play. Both times Allen lost to Kansas City they allowed three power play goals. The four previous games have been pretty tame with a total of 50 penalty minutes for Allen and 52 for Kansas City. There were two fights in the four games. Mike Gunn vs Eric Freschi in Kansas City was the game Freschi got a game misconduct for spitting at Gunn after the fight and was suspended for the incident. The other fight was in the last game (December 20) in Allen when Colby McAuley dropped the gloves with Mavericks forward Mark Cooper.
- Here is a comparison between Allen and Kansas City this season:
ALLEN KANSAS CITY
Team Record 25-22-4-2 (56 points) 25-26-0-2 (52 points)
Division Ranking 4th - Mountain 6th -Central
Conference Ranking 8th - Western 11th - Western
League Ranking 15th 19th
Last Game 3-1 Loss (Utah) 3-2 Loss (Florida)
Goals For 173 143
Goals Against 170 173
Power Play 17.5% (41/234) 19.0% (37/195)
Penalty Kill 79.8% (48/238) 78.4% (36/167)
Leading Scorer Pierro-Zabotel (15-40-55) McMurtry (15-18-33)
Most PIM's Moore - 173 Elbrecht - 135
- Here is how Allen and Kansas City rank in the ECHL in some statistical categories:
Penalty Minutes Per Game: Allen 1st (21.72) - Kansas City 18th (13.70)
Goals Scored Per Game: Allen 8th (3.26) - Kansas City 26th (2.70)
Goals Allowed Per Game: Allen 13th (3.21) - Kansas City 14th (3.26)
Shots For Per Game: Allen 17th (31.55) - Kansas City 15th (31.94)
Shots Against Per Game: Allen 23rd (36.74) - Kansas City 9th (30.85)
Power Play Percentage: Allen 11th (17.5%) - Kansas City 5th (19.0%)
Home Power Play %: Allen 10th (19.3%) - Kansas City 9th (19.4%)
Road Power Play %: Allen 15th (15.7%) - Kansas City 9th (15.5%)
Penalty Kill Percentage: Allen 23rd (79.8%) - Kansas City 24th (78.4%)
Home Penalty Kill %: Allen 14th (84.4%) - Kansas City 26th (77.6%)
Road Penalty Kill %: Allen 25th (75.0%) - Kansas City 23rd (79.1%)
- One stat that that stands out is goal differential. Allen is +3 (173 for & 170 against) while Kansas City is -30 (143 for & 173 against). Kansas City is ranked #26 in the league scoring an average of 2.70 goals per game. Allen averages over a half a goal per game more than the Mavericks.
- Allen averages 3.29 goals per game for the season but over the last six games has only scored 11 goals for an average of 1.83 per game. Kansas City has averaged just 1.50 goals per game over their last eight games (all losses).
- Which team will be able to generate some offense tonight is the big question. Special teams may very well hold the answer. Both team have very poor penalty kill units ranked at the bottom of the ECHL. Allen is at 75.0% on the road and Kansas City is 77.6% at home. In their four previous games the team that scored the most power play goals won the game. That will likely be the case tonight. It won't be easy for the Americans who are 2-36 (5.9%) on the power play over their last six games.
- With both teams struggling getting off to a good start by scoring the first goal of the game will be even more important than usual tonight. As a reminder in Allen's last 13 games the team that has scored first went on to win the game.
- Players to watch tonight for Allen are David Makowski who has six points (2 goals 4 assists) in four games against the Mavericks. Bryan Moore has only played in two of the previous games but has four points (2 goals 2 assists). Kansas City's leading scorer against Allen is Mike McMurtry (six points) but he is currently on loan to the Stockton Heat (AHL).
- Jeremy Brodeur will start in goal for Allen and Thomas Hodges will serve as the back goalie. You may remember when Hodges, who is a Plano West graduate, served as the backup goalie for the NHL Florida Panthers, who were in town to play the Dallas Stars and their starting goalie was injured.
- It is most likely Allen will be short one skater tonight and Miles Liberati will play up front but you never know until game time for sure.
- Officials scheduled for the game are referee Alex Normandin (#26) and linesmen Andy Bethmann (#95) and Michael Houle (#49).
OTHER COMMENTS
- If you are tracking Mountain Division games to see if Allen is making any progress in the standings there are some matchups tonight that could widen or narrow the point gaps. Wichita is at Utah, Idaho is at Rapid City and Colorado is at Tulsa.
- Both Syracuse (Olivier Archambault) and San Jose (Alex Schoenborn & Colby McAuley) will be in action tonight. Will have to track to see who is in the lineup and if so how they play.
- The San Jose Sharks got beat 7-1 in Nashville last night with Aaron Dell in goal. Dell has struggled in his last five starts with a .855 save percentage. This article from the San Jose Mercury News gives the details and explains why Dell's recent numbers might make it easier to retain him once he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/22/takeaways-sharks-will-be-able-to-keep-goalie-in-free-agency/
DID YOU KNOW: Five of the last seven Kelly Cup MVP's have played for the Allen Americans. Here is the list including the team they played for when they won the playoff MVP award.
2017 - Matt Register (Colorado)
2016 - Chad Costello (Allen)
2015 - Greger Hanson (Allen)
2013 - Riley Gill (Reading)
2011 - Scott Howes (Alaska)
- If you are a long time Allen fan you know the rivalry between these teams runs deep. They are no longer in the same division so the rivalry may not be as strong as in the past but the history between these teams is unforgettable. Here is a little history lesson on the Allen vs Missouri/Kansas City rivalry:
Both franchises began in the same year (2009-10) and to overgeneralize a bit, Missouri has always been the "darling successful franchise" that could not win, while Allen was always the struggling "financially troubled franchise" that could not lose. In that very first year Missouri finished sixth in the conference while Allen went to the championship final eventually losing to Rapid City. In 2013 Allen eliminated Missouri in the playoffs on the way to their first championship. In 2014 Missouri was the best regular season team in the Central Hockey League (CHL) but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the eighth seed (Arizona). Allen, who was the third seed, beat Denver for their second straight championship. Once coach Martinson arrived in Allen the CHL annual awards seemed to always be the same. Allen would have the championship trophy and Missouri would be the franchise of the year.
- The rivalry really heated up in 2014-15 when Allen assistant coach, Richard Matvichuk, was selected as Missouri's head coach. It was implied by some that Allen would struggle without Matvichuk who was in Allen for their first two championships. It didn't take long for skeptics to learn who was the teacher and who was the student. Allen beat Missouri eight straight times before losing to the Mavericks in overtime late in the season. Missouri didn't even make the playoffs and Allen went on to win their third straight championship and first Kelly Cup.
- 2015-16 may have been the topper for Allen fans as the Matvichuk led Mavericks had a record breaking season and were the class of the ECHL in the regular season. They had 20 more points than the Americans and were the ECHL's #1 seed going into playoffs.The Americans easily dispatched Missouri (4-2) in the second round of the playoffs on the way to their second straight Kelly Cup.
- Last season (2016-17) Allen's record against Missouri was 10-1-2-0 but the Americans had a disappointing playoff run losing to the eventual champions (Colorado) in the second round. Missouri failed to make the playoffs.
- I think rivalries are more for fans than players and coaches. Coach Martinson would always say it was just another game when Allen played Missouri but I think there was extra satisfaction when he beat his former assistant. Most of the current players aren't even aware of the past rivalry. Matvichuk has moved on to a very successful coaching career in the Western Hockey League (Prince George Cougars). On the ice there hasn't been much of a rivalry since the teams have joined the ECHL. Allen's record against Missouri is 25-8-4-0 overall and 11-5-1-0 in Missouri/Kansas City. Even though much has changed the rivalry endures. Who can forget the playoff "poogate" in Missouri when the Mavericks put stinkbait in the Americans locker room and coaches office prior to game six of the 2016 playoffs. The Mavericks were down in the series 3-2 at the time and it was win or go home for Missouri. The prank backfired on the Mavericks as the Americans, who were really pissed off, clobbered Missouri 5-1 and eliminated them from the playoffs. Coach Martinson's quote after the game was, "Don't throw fuel on the fire unless you want a bigger fire." Then there was the incident back in 2014 when Allen goalie Mark Guggenberger was fined for tripping the Missouri mascot (Mac). See the video below.
At least for the fans the rivalry continues every time Allen and Kansas City play. The one fact Allen fans can and will always point out until the Mavericks do something about it is the Americans have four championships while Missouri/Kansas City has never advanced past the second round of the playoffs.
- Both Allen and Kansas City come into the game tonight trying to get back on the winning track. The Americans have lost 11 of their last 16 games including five of their last six. It is even worse for the Mavericks who haven't won a game the entire month of February and are on an eight game losing streak.
- In their four head to head games this season Allen and Kansas City have each scored 12 goals but as is typically the case with Allen opponents the Mavericks have a big advantage in shots (170-113). Allen is 50% on the power play (4-8) and Kansas City is 35.3% (6-17) on the power play. Both times Allen lost to Kansas City they allowed three power play goals. The four previous games have been pretty tame with a total of 50 penalty minutes for Allen and 52 for Kansas City. There were two fights in the four games. Mike Gunn vs Eric Freschi in Kansas City was the game Freschi got a game misconduct for spitting at Gunn after the fight and was suspended for the incident. The other fight was in the last game (December 20) in Allen when Colby McAuley dropped the gloves with Mavericks forward Mark Cooper.
- Here is a comparison between Allen and Kansas City this season:
ALLEN KANSAS CITY
Team Record 25-22-4-2 (56 points) 25-26-0-2 (52 points)
Division Ranking 4th - Mountain 6th -Central
Conference Ranking 8th - Western 11th - Western
League Ranking 15th 19th
Last Game 3-1 Loss (Utah) 3-2 Loss (Florida)
Goals For 173 143
Goals Against 170 173
Power Play 17.5% (41/234) 19.0% (37/195)
Penalty Kill 79.8% (48/238) 78.4% (36/167)
Leading Scorer Pierro-Zabotel (15-40-55) McMurtry (15-18-33)
Most PIM's Moore - 173 Elbrecht - 135
- Here is how Allen and Kansas City rank in the ECHL in some statistical categories:
Penalty Minutes Per Game: Allen 1st (21.72) - Kansas City 18th (13.70)
Goals Scored Per Game: Allen 8th (3.26) - Kansas City 26th (2.70)
Goals Allowed Per Game: Allen 13th (3.21) - Kansas City 14th (3.26)
Shots For Per Game: Allen 17th (31.55) - Kansas City 15th (31.94)
Shots Against Per Game: Allen 23rd (36.74) - Kansas City 9th (30.85)
Power Play Percentage: Allen 11th (17.5%) - Kansas City 5th (19.0%)
Home Power Play %: Allen 10th (19.3%) - Kansas City 9th (19.4%)
Road Power Play %: Allen 15th (15.7%) - Kansas City 9th (15.5%)
Penalty Kill Percentage: Allen 23rd (79.8%) - Kansas City 24th (78.4%)
Home Penalty Kill %: Allen 14th (84.4%) - Kansas City 26th (77.6%)
Road Penalty Kill %: Allen 25th (75.0%) - Kansas City 23rd (79.1%)
- One stat that that stands out is goal differential. Allen is +3 (173 for & 170 against) while Kansas City is -30 (143 for & 173 against). Kansas City is ranked #26 in the league scoring an average of 2.70 goals per game. Allen averages over a half a goal per game more than the Mavericks.
- Allen averages 3.29 goals per game for the season but over the last six games has only scored 11 goals for an average of 1.83 per game. Kansas City has averaged just 1.50 goals per game over their last eight games (all losses).
- Which team will be able to generate some offense tonight is the big question. Special teams may very well hold the answer. Both team have very poor penalty kill units ranked at the bottom of the ECHL. Allen is at 75.0% on the road and Kansas City is 77.6% at home. In their four previous games the team that scored the most power play goals won the game. That will likely be the case tonight. It won't be easy for the Americans who are 2-36 (5.9%) on the power play over their last six games.
- With both teams struggling getting off to a good start by scoring the first goal of the game will be even more important than usual tonight. As a reminder in Allen's last 13 games the team that has scored first went on to win the game.
- Players to watch tonight for Allen are David Makowski who has six points (2 goals 4 assists) in four games against the Mavericks. Bryan Moore has only played in two of the previous games but has four points (2 goals 2 assists). Kansas City's leading scorer against Allen is Mike McMurtry (six points) but he is currently on loan to the Stockton Heat (AHL).
- Jeremy Brodeur will start in goal for Allen and Thomas Hodges will serve as the back goalie. You may remember when Hodges, who is a Plano West graduate, served as the backup goalie for the NHL Florida Panthers, who were in town to play the Dallas Stars and their starting goalie was injured.
- It is most likely Allen will be short one skater tonight and Miles Liberati will play up front but you never know until game time for sure.
- Officials scheduled for the game are referee Alex Normandin (#26) and linesmen Andy Bethmann (#95) and Michael Houle (#49).
OTHER COMMENTS
- If you are tracking Mountain Division games to see if Allen is making any progress in the standings there are some matchups tonight that could widen or narrow the point gaps. Wichita is at Utah, Idaho is at Rapid City and Colorado is at Tulsa.
- Both Syracuse (Olivier Archambault) and San Jose (Alex Schoenborn & Colby McAuley) will be in action tonight. Will have to track to see who is in the lineup and if so how they play.
- The San Jose Sharks got beat 7-1 in Nashville last night with Aaron Dell in goal. Dell has struggled in his last five starts with a .855 save percentage. This article from the San Jose Mercury News gives the details and explains why Dell's recent numbers might make it easier to retain him once he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. https://www.mercurynews.com/2018/02/22/takeaways-sharks-will-be-able-to-keep-goalie-in-free-agency/
DID YOU KNOW: Five of the last seven Kelly Cup MVP's have played for the Allen Americans. Here is the list including the team they played for when they won the playoff MVP award.
2017 - Matt Register (Colorado)
2016 - Chad Costello (Allen)
2015 - Greger Hanson (Allen)
2013 - Riley Gill (Reading)
2011 - Scott Howes (Alaska)
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Allen Americans Roster Update, Getaway Day, Two Must See Olympic Gold Finishes, Allen vs KC Goalies, Allen's Lost Ground Quantified & Best Win % in ECHL History
Before I talk about the Allen Americans I would be remiss if I didn't add my congratulations to the USA Women's Hockey Team for their electrifying 3-2 shootout victory over Canada last night to win the Olympic gold medal. Everyone knew it would be an epic battle because these teams have been the best in the world for a long time. Canada and the US are the only teams that have ever won gold since women's hockey became an Olympic sport in 1998. It took a third period comeback last night by the American team and a six round shootout before a goal by Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson gave the US the victory. Here is the game recap with video of the gold medal ceremony and the game winning goal which Jocelyne calls her, "Oops I Did it Again" move: http://www.nbcolympics.com/news/gold-last-us-scores-third-period-equalizer-wins-shootout
- Being a proud Minnesotan it is notable that there are seven players on the gold medal winning women's hockey team from the great state of Minnesota. An equally amazing feat was accomplished by another Minnesotan along with her Alaskan teammate in women's sprint freestyle cross country skiing. Jessie Diggins (Minnesota) and Kikkan Randall (Alaska) won gold. They are the first American cross country skiers to medal at the Olympics since Bill Koch took home a silver in 1976. Here is the complete story which is a great read: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/sports/olympics/cross-country-usa-jessie-diggins-kikkan-randall.html
- If you haven't seen Jessie Diggins' incredible finish to this race with one of the greatest live broadcast calls in Olympic history this is a must watch. Goosebumps are a guarantee and you might shed a tear. https://sports.yahoo.com/can-see-light-epic-gold-medal-finish-equally-epic-broadcast-002435133.html
- Sorry for the aside but these are a couple of amazing Olympic moments produced by some amazing women.
- The Allen Americans will practice this morning, have a team lunch and then spend about eight hours on the bus traveling 480 miles to Kansas City where they will play the Mavericks on Friday and Saturday.
- It will be a depleted roster that heads north to Kansas City today. Stephon Williams will not accompany the team so Jeremy Brodeur will be in goal for both games. Allen will use an emergency backup goalie (EBUG) on the trip.
- There were only eight healthy forwards at practice yesterday. Zach Hall is injured and Colby McAuley and Alex Schoenborn are in San Jose. Defenseman Miles Liberati will play upfront since there are seven healthy defensemen. It is possible coach Martinson could bring in a forward from the SPHL or pick up a forward off the waiver wire so the team doesn't have to play short this weekend.
- San Jose just acquired a forward in a trade for a future draft pick and John McCarthy will return from the Olympics next week so Allen may get a player back from the Barracuda soon. McAuley and Schoenborn were in the lineup for the Barracuda last night for the first time since being recalled on Monday. The Barracuda lost to the Ontario Reign 5-2 and remain in seventh place in the eight team Pacific Division. McAuley scored his first AHL goal in the loss. San Jose plays again tomorrow night (Friday) and then has a week off before they play on March 2nd. The Americans may get a player back after the game tomorrow night.
- I will have a complete preview of the Allen vs Kansas City series tomorrow but goaltending will be a key to the series. Allen has split the load between Jeremy Brodeur and Stephon Williams since Riley Gill was injured in the third game of the season. Brodeur has played in 34 games and Williams 32. Jeremy will get both starts in Kansas City out of necessity and his stats speak for themselves. Brodeur has the sixth best save percentage in the ECHL at .922 and is creeping up the list for most saves. He is now fifth in the league with 1071 saves.
- Kansas City has already set a franchise record by using seven different goalies this season. Currently on the roster are Adam Carlson, a Washington Capitals prospect and Mavric Parks who was just added to the roster. Carlson has played in the last two games for the Mavericks and has 32 ECHL games played over the last two seasons. His GAA in those 32 games is 3.04 and his save percentage is .891. Parks has played one game for the Mavericks and spent most of his two year pro career in the SPHL. In 41 SPHL games he has a 3.22 GAA and save percentage of .911.
- In Mountain Division action last night Colorado beat Wichita 2-1 in a shootout and Idaho beat Rapid City 4-2. It is getting more dire by each game for Allen to move up in the standings. They now trail third place Wichita by seven points, second place Idaho by 12 points and first place Colorado by 18 points. Here are the current Mountain Division standings with games played in parentheses.
74 points - Colorado (53 games)
68 points - Idaho (54 games)
63 points - Wichita (54 games)
56 points - Allen (53 games)
55 points - Tulsa (54 games)
50 points - Utah (53 games)
39 points - Rapid City (52 games)
How much ground has Allen lost in the last two weeks? On February 8 Allen was one point ahead of Wichita, now they are seven points behind. They were four points behind Idaho and now they are 12 points behind. They were 12 points behind Colorado and now they are 19 points behind. Even the teams behind Allen in the standings have gained ground in the last two weeks. Tulsa is +4, Utah is +4 and last place Rapid City is +3. If there is a silver lining in how much ground the Americans have lost in the last two weeks it is if you can lose that much ground in two weeks it is possible to gain a lot of ground in a short period of time.
DID YOU KNOW: With all of the less than stellar stats about this season I thought it would be good to end with a stat that explains just how good the Allen Americans have been since joining the ECHL. There have been something like 80 ECHL teams over the 30 year history of the league depending on how you count changes in ownership and geographical moves of the same franchise. According to the ECHL 1988-2018 record book of all of those teams the highest winning percentage (all seasons) for any team is the Allen Americans who have a .692 winning percentage with a record of 138-55-23.
- Being a proud Minnesotan it is notable that there are seven players on the gold medal winning women's hockey team from the great state of Minnesota. An equally amazing feat was accomplished by another Minnesotan along with her Alaskan teammate in women's sprint freestyle cross country skiing. Jessie Diggins (Minnesota) and Kikkan Randall (Alaska) won gold. They are the first American cross country skiers to medal at the Olympics since Bill Koch took home a silver in 1976. Here is the complete story which is a great read: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/21/sports/olympics/cross-country-usa-jessie-diggins-kikkan-randall.html
- If you haven't seen Jessie Diggins' incredible finish to this race with one of the greatest live broadcast calls in Olympic history this is a must watch. Goosebumps are a guarantee and you might shed a tear. https://sports.yahoo.com/can-see-light-epic-gold-medal-finish-equally-epic-broadcast-002435133.html
- Sorry for the aside but these are a couple of amazing Olympic moments produced by some amazing women.
- The Allen Americans will practice this morning, have a team lunch and then spend about eight hours on the bus traveling 480 miles to Kansas City where they will play the Mavericks on Friday and Saturday.
- It will be a depleted roster that heads north to Kansas City today. Stephon Williams will not accompany the team so Jeremy Brodeur will be in goal for both games. Allen will use an emergency backup goalie (EBUG) on the trip.
- There were only eight healthy forwards at practice yesterday. Zach Hall is injured and Colby McAuley and Alex Schoenborn are in San Jose. Defenseman Miles Liberati will play upfront since there are seven healthy defensemen. It is possible coach Martinson could bring in a forward from the SPHL or pick up a forward off the waiver wire so the team doesn't have to play short this weekend.
- San Jose just acquired a forward in a trade for a future draft pick and John McCarthy will return from the Olympics next week so Allen may get a player back from the Barracuda soon. McAuley and Schoenborn were in the lineup for the Barracuda last night for the first time since being recalled on Monday. The Barracuda lost to the Ontario Reign 5-2 and remain in seventh place in the eight team Pacific Division. McAuley scored his first AHL goal in the loss. San Jose plays again tomorrow night (Friday) and then has a week off before they play on March 2nd. The Americans may get a player back after the game tomorrow night.
- I will have a complete preview of the Allen vs Kansas City series tomorrow but goaltending will be a key to the series. Allen has split the load between Jeremy Brodeur and Stephon Williams since Riley Gill was injured in the third game of the season. Brodeur has played in 34 games and Williams 32. Jeremy will get both starts in Kansas City out of necessity and his stats speak for themselves. Brodeur has the sixth best save percentage in the ECHL at .922 and is creeping up the list for most saves. He is now fifth in the league with 1071 saves.
- Kansas City has already set a franchise record by using seven different goalies this season. Currently on the roster are Adam Carlson, a Washington Capitals prospect and Mavric Parks who was just added to the roster. Carlson has played in the last two games for the Mavericks and has 32 ECHL games played over the last two seasons. His GAA in those 32 games is 3.04 and his save percentage is .891. Parks has played one game for the Mavericks and spent most of his two year pro career in the SPHL. In 41 SPHL games he has a 3.22 GAA and save percentage of .911.
- In Mountain Division action last night Colorado beat Wichita 2-1 in a shootout and Idaho beat Rapid City 4-2. It is getting more dire by each game for Allen to move up in the standings. They now trail third place Wichita by seven points, second place Idaho by 12 points and first place Colorado by 18 points. Here are the current Mountain Division standings with games played in parentheses.
74 points - Colorado (53 games)
68 points - Idaho (54 games)
63 points - Wichita (54 games)
56 points - Allen (53 games)
55 points - Tulsa (54 games)
50 points - Utah (53 games)
39 points - Rapid City (52 games)
How much ground has Allen lost in the last two weeks? On February 8 Allen was one point ahead of Wichita, now they are seven points behind. They were four points behind Idaho and now they are 12 points behind. They were 12 points behind Colorado and now they are 19 points behind. Even the teams behind Allen in the standings have gained ground in the last two weeks. Tulsa is +4, Utah is +4 and last place Rapid City is +3. If there is a silver lining in how much ground the Americans have lost in the last two weeks it is if you can lose that much ground in two weeks it is possible to gain a lot of ground in a short period of time.
DID YOU KNOW: With all of the less than stellar stats about this season I thought it would be good to end with a stat that explains just how good the Allen Americans have been since joining the ECHL. There have been something like 80 ECHL teams over the 30 year history of the league depending on how you count changes in ownership and geographical moves of the same franchise. According to the ECHL 1988-2018 record book of all of those teams the highest winning percentage (all seasons) for any team is the Allen Americans who have a .692 winning percentage with a record of 138-55-23.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Allen and Kansas City Fight for Playoff Spots, Who's Hot Who's Not, What Teams Have the Most 15+, 20+ and 30+ Goal Scorers, Olympic Update & Best Cellys Video
After completing three days off for the delayed All-Star break it is back to work today for the Allen Americans. Allen is preparing for two big games on Friday and Saturday in Kansas City. It is hard to believe that it is the end of February and these two franchises, who started the same year (2009-10) back in the Central Hockey League (CHL) and have so much history together, are battling just to make the playoffs in their respective divisions.
- To say Allen and Kansas City are struggling would be an understatement. The Americans have lost 11 of their last 16 games including five of their last six. It is even worse for the Mavericks who haven't won a game the entire month of February and are on an eight game losing streak.
- The season is 75% complete and it is still uncertain if Allen and Kansas City will be in the playoffs. At least Allen is currently in a playoff spot occupying fourth place in the Mountain Division with a slim one point lead over fifth place Tulsa. Kansas City has been in a free fall in February and is now out of the playoffs looking in. The Mavericks are in fifth place in the Central Division, five points behind fourth place Kalamazoo and just one point ahead of sixth place Indy. Anyway you slice it the games this weekend will be huge for both teams in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
- One way to look at the teams moving forward and those losing ground in the Mountain Division is points earned over the last 10 games. What that shows is Colorado losing a lot of ground to Idaho and the rest of the contenders all playing around .500 hockey. Here is the complete list of points earned over the last 10 game. Maximum points is 20.
14 points - Idaho
11 points - Allen
11 points - Tulsa
9 points - Utah
9 points - Wichita
7 points - Rapid City
6 points - Colorado
- Colorado played in Wichita last night and beat the Thunder 5-3. The teams play again tonight in a rare back to back midweek series. After the game tonight Colorado heads to Tulsa to take on the Oilers on Friday and Saturday.
- There are five ECHL games on tap tonight with four Mountain Division teams in action. In addition to Colorado at Wichita the Idaho Steelheads are in Rapid City to take on the Rush. Here is the "ECHL Today" with all of the details: https://www.echl.com/echl-today-feb-21-2018
- The hottest team in the ECHL right now is the Fort Wayne Komets who have a point in 10 straight games and a record of 9-0-0-1. At the other end of the spectrum as the coldest team in the league is Kansas City who has lost eight straight with a record of 0-7-0-1.
- The USA men's Olympic team was eliminated last night, losing to the Czech Republic in a shootout. Here are the details and video highlights: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/blanked-by-the-czechs-in-a-shootout-us-mens-hockey-team-is-out-of-the-olympics/2018/02/21/d930084c-16dd-11e8-92c9-376b4fe57ff7_story.html?utm_term=.103752ab0401
- Here is an opinion piece about the Olympic men's hockey tournament and how the absence of NHL players impacted the outcome. It also lays out the rationale for the NHL's decision not to let their players participate and why it may be different in 2022. https://sports.yahoo.com/disappointed-team-usa-mens-hockey-olympics-blame-gary-bettman-102933726.html
- Now the focus is on the USA women's hockey team who will face Canada in the gold medal game for the third straight Olympics. This will be an epic game between two teams that the entire women's hockey world has been anticipating for four years. This one will be worth staying up late for tonight (NBCSN 9:45 pm). Here is another story about this rivalry: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2018-iceh-w-can-usa-preview/ice-hockey-gold-medal-battle-royal-awaits-u-s-canadian-women-idUSKCN1G514R
- How about a a video on the best hockey cellys ever:
DID YOU KNOW: Allen has three players with 15 or more goals (Guptill, Pierro-Zabotel, Moore). There are five teams in the league that have five players with 15 or more goals (Florida, Fort Wayne, Idaho, Manchester, Wheeling). There are two teams that have three players with 20+ goals (Fort Wayne & Idaho). There are two players in the ECHL with 30 or more goals. Michael Joly (Colorado) has 36 and Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman (Manchester) has 30.
- To say Allen and Kansas City are struggling would be an understatement. The Americans have lost 11 of their last 16 games including five of their last six. It is even worse for the Mavericks who haven't won a game the entire month of February and are on an eight game losing streak.
- The season is 75% complete and it is still uncertain if Allen and Kansas City will be in the playoffs. At least Allen is currently in a playoff spot occupying fourth place in the Mountain Division with a slim one point lead over fifth place Tulsa. Kansas City has been in a free fall in February and is now out of the playoffs looking in. The Mavericks are in fifth place in the Central Division, five points behind fourth place Kalamazoo and just one point ahead of sixth place Indy. Anyway you slice it the games this weekend will be huge for both teams in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
- One way to look at the teams moving forward and those losing ground in the Mountain Division is points earned over the last 10 games. What that shows is Colorado losing a lot of ground to Idaho and the rest of the contenders all playing around .500 hockey. Here is the complete list of points earned over the last 10 game. Maximum points is 20.
14 points - Idaho
11 points - Allen
11 points - Tulsa
9 points - Utah
9 points - Wichita
7 points - Rapid City
6 points - Colorado
- Colorado played in Wichita last night and beat the Thunder 5-3. The teams play again tonight in a rare back to back midweek series. After the game tonight Colorado heads to Tulsa to take on the Oilers on Friday and Saturday.
- There are five ECHL games on tap tonight with four Mountain Division teams in action. In addition to Colorado at Wichita the Idaho Steelheads are in Rapid City to take on the Rush. Here is the "ECHL Today" with all of the details: https://www.echl.com/echl-today-feb-21-2018
- The hottest team in the ECHL right now is the Fort Wayne Komets who have a point in 10 straight games and a record of 9-0-0-1. At the other end of the spectrum as the coldest team in the league is Kansas City who has lost eight straight with a record of 0-7-0-1.
- The USA men's Olympic team was eliminated last night, losing to the Czech Republic in a shootout. Here are the details and video highlights: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/blanked-by-the-czechs-in-a-shootout-us-mens-hockey-team-is-out-of-the-olympics/2018/02/21/d930084c-16dd-11e8-92c9-376b4fe57ff7_story.html?utm_term=.103752ab0401
- Here is an opinion piece about the Olympic men's hockey tournament and how the absence of NHL players impacted the outcome. It also lays out the rationale for the NHL's decision not to let their players participate and why it may be different in 2022. https://sports.yahoo.com/disappointed-team-usa-mens-hockey-olympics-blame-gary-bettman-102933726.html
- Now the focus is on the USA women's hockey team who will face Canada in the gold medal game for the third straight Olympics. This will be an epic game between two teams that the entire women's hockey world has been anticipating for four years. This one will be worth staying up late for tonight (NBCSN 9:45 pm). Here is another story about this rivalry: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-2018-iceh-w-can-usa-preview/ice-hockey-gold-medal-battle-royal-awaits-u-s-canadian-women-idUSKCN1G514R
- How about a a video on the best hockey cellys ever:
DID YOU KNOW: Allen has three players with 15 or more goals (Guptill, Pierro-Zabotel, Moore). There are five teams in the league that have five players with 15 or more goals (Florida, Fort Wayne, Idaho, Manchester, Wheeling). There are two teams that have three players with 20+ goals (Fort Wayne & Idaho). There are two players in the ECHL with 30 or more goals. Michael Joly (Colorado) has 36 and Jordan LaVallee-Smotherman (Manchester) has 30.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Roster Update. Weekly Update, Standings Update, Olympic Update, Jersey Auction Results & A Trip Down Memory Lane
If you have been following the Allen Americans transactions closely this season you may have noticed the number of times the roster has gotten too big followed by a roster that is too small. That is the nature of the beast in AA hockey. This season more than any other in memory it seems like every time coach Martinson has made a move to reduce the size of the roster that is too big it is immediately followed by injuries and call ups and the roster is too small. It happened again this week, Marcus Basara was traded to Wheeling on Saturday and sure enough two days later Colby McAuley and Alex Schoenborn have been recalled by San Jose.
- The Americans now have only eight healthy forwards on the roster and seven defensemen. If coach Martinson doesn't add a player for the two games in Kansas City this weekend he would move Miles Liberati from the blue line to upfront and play one man short.
- The team is in the midst of three days off and will practice again tomorrow (Wednesday) to prepare for the two games against the Kansas City Mavericks this weekend. I was asked why coach Martinson would give the players three days off after the way they played against Utah. This time off was agreed to and scheduled a long time ago because the Americans had to play during the three day All-Star break.
- Olivier Archambault continues to play well on his AHL assignment to Syracuse. He had a goal and an assist in the Syracuse 3-1 win over Charlotte on Sunday. Archambault has now played 11 games for the Crunch and has seven points (4 goals 3 assists) and is +6. The Crunch play their next game at Rochester on Wednesday.
- Here is the Allen Americans Weekly Update issued by the team. It covers last week's games, this week's games, team stat leaders and a few fun facts. https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-weekly-update-10/
- The ECHL was busy yesterday handing out suspensions and fines. Included on the list is Allen's career penalty minute leader, Garrett Clarke who was suspended five games for his part in a brawl in Tulsa on Sunday. The most PIMS Clarke ever had in one season in Allen was 223. Clarke will far exceed that total this season playing for the Indy Fuel. Garrett leads the ECHL in penalty minutes (239) and minor penalties (42). Here is the ECHL press release announcing suspensions for two players from Colorado and two from Tulsa along with the five games for Clarke. https://www.echl.com/echl-announces-fines-suspensions-83
- While Allen was losing two games this past weekend the Wichita Thunder extended their winning streak to four games and opened up a six point lead over the Americans for third place in the division. The Thunder lead could grow to double digits this week even if Allen wins twice in Kansas City. Wichita plays four games this week starting tonight with back to back home games against Colorado. The Thunder travel to Utah for games on Friday and Saturday. Allen fans must hope the fact Wichita must play four games in five days along with traveling to Utah will translate to a few losses.
- Rather than looking at Wichita who is six points ahead of Allen in the standings the Americans need to worry about Tulsa who is now challenging them for the final playoff spot. Allen has a narrow one point lead going into the weekend. While Allen is in Kansas City for two games the Oilers will be playing Colorado twice at home. Colorado just finished playing Idaho six games in a row. Starting on Friday they will play Tulsa five games in a row. The scheduling gods strike again.
- The Olympic (aka winter sports) specialty jersey auction that was completed Sunday night allowed some fans to get what was one of the more popular jerseys in memory at reasonable prices. The top sellers were $587 (Vincent Arseneau), $549 (Joel Chouinard) and $525 (Spencer Asuchak). Overall there were 24 jerseys auctioned. Five went between $200 - $300, seven between $300 - $400, nine between $400 - $500 and three for $500+.
- The USA men's Olympic hockey team beat Slovakia last night 5-1 in the qualification round and advanced to play the Czech Republic in the Olympic quarterfinals. Here is the game recap complete with video highlights: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/united-states-slovakia-game-recap-mens-hockey
- The USA women's hockey team is in a familiar place playing for the Olympic gold on Thursday morning. Once again they will have to go through the Canadian team if they want to take home the gold. These are the two best teams in the world and the rivalry is unparalleled. Here is a great story about the rivalry and what you can expect in the gold medal game. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/so-they-meet-again-us-canada-again-face-off-for-womens-hockey-gold/2018/02/20/b625bf66-1603-11e8-b681-2d4d462a1921_story.html?utm_term=.7ac2a669aca4
DID YOU KNOW: You realize how fast time goes by when you see a picture of the sports stadium and hockey arena you remember with so many fond memories as a kid. If you drove by today there is nothing left to see other than the replacement which is the famed Mall of America. In the picture below you see the old Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. That's the Minnesota North Stars Met Center in the background. These facilities were located in my hometown, Bloomington and were my play ground as a kid. As a young teen my buddies and I had five or six ways to sneak into the ball park. Later I worked as a popcorn and pop (that is what it is called in Minnesota) vendor for the Twins. When the hockey rink was built in 1967 and the North Stars started playing, my mom was the first aide nurse so she would hook me up with tickets. I was reminded of the old days yesterday when I saw an article that said it was 52 years ago that a group of owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul learned they would become one of six new NHL teams to begin play a year and a half later. The franchise that would become the Dallas Stars in 1993 was born in 1966. I know I have mentioned this before that I have my ticket stub from the very first Stars home game on October 11, 1967. I wonder if the Dallas Stars would have any interest in the donation of this piece of Stars history?
As an aside the franchise fee in 1966 was $2,000,000. Las Vegas paid $500 million for their franchise and reports say the next franchise will cost between $600-$700 million.
- The Americans now have only eight healthy forwards on the roster and seven defensemen. If coach Martinson doesn't add a player for the two games in Kansas City this weekend he would move Miles Liberati from the blue line to upfront and play one man short.
- The team is in the midst of three days off and will practice again tomorrow (Wednesday) to prepare for the two games against the Kansas City Mavericks this weekend. I was asked why coach Martinson would give the players three days off after the way they played against Utah. This time off was agreed to and scheduled a long time ago because the Americans had to play during the three day All-Star break.
- Olivier Archambault continues to play well on his AHL assignment to Syracuse. He had a goal and an assist in the Syracuse 3-1 win over Charlotte on Sunday. Archambault has now played 11 games for the Crunch and has seven points (4 goals 3 assists) and is +6. The Crunch play their next game at Rochester on Wednesday.
- Here is the Allen Americans Weekly Update issued by the team. It covers last week's games, this week's games, team stat leaders and a few fun facts. https://allenamericans.com/allen-americans-weekly-update-10/
- The ECHL was busy yesterday handing out suspensions and fines. Included on the list is Allen's career penalty minute leader, Garrett Clarke who was suspended five games for his part in a brawl in Tulsa on Sunday. The most PIMS Clarke ever had in one season in Allen was 223. Clarke will far exceed that total this season playing for the Indy Fuel. Garrett leads the ECHL in penalty minutes (239) and minor penalties (42). Here is the ECHL press release announcing suspensions for two players from Colorado and two from Tulsa along with the five games for Clarke. https://www.echl.com/echl-announces-fines-suspensions-83
- While Allen was losing two games this past weekend the Wichita Thunder extended their winning streak to four games and opened up a six point lead over the Americans for third place in the division. The Thunder lead could grow to double digits this week even if Allen wins twice in Kansas City. Wichita plays four games this week starting tonight with back to back home games against Colorado. The Thunder travel to Utah for games on Friday and Saturday. Allen fans must hope the fact Wichita must play four games in five days along with traveling to Utah will translate to a few losses.
- Rather than looking at Wichita who is six points ahead of Allen in the standings the Americans need to worry about Tulsa who is now challenging them for the final playoff spot. Allen has a narrow one point lead going into the weekend. While Allen is in Kansas City for two games the Oilers will be playing Colorado twice at home. Colorado just finished playing Idaho six games in a row. Starting on Friday they will play Tulsa five games in a row. The scheduling gods strike again.
- The Olympic (aka winter sports) specialty jersey auction that was completed Sunday night allowed some fans to get what was one of the more popular jerseys in memory at reasonable prices. The top sellers were $587 (Vincent Arseneau), $549 (Joel Chouinard) and $525 (Spencer Asuchak). Overall there were 24 jerseys auctioned. Five went between $200 - $300, seven between $300 - $400, nine between $400 - $500 and three for $500+.
- The USA men's Olympic hockey team beat Slovakia last night 5-1 in the qualification round and advanced to play the Czech Republic in the Olympic quarterfinals. Here is the game recap complete with video highlights: https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/united-states-slovakia-game-recap-mens-hockey
- The USA women's hockey team is in a familiar place playing for the Olympic gold on Thursday morning. Once again they will have to go through the Canadian team if they want to take home the gold. These are the two best teams in the world and the rivalry is unparalleled. Here is a great story about the rivalry and what you can expect in the gold medal game. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/so-they-meet-again-us-canada-again-face-off-for-womens-hockey-gold/2018/02/20/b625bf66-1603-11e8-b681-2d4d462a1921_story.html?utm_term=.7ac2a669aca4
DID YOU KNOW: You realize how fast time goes by when you see a picture of the sports stadium and hockey arena you remember with so many fond memories as a kid. If you drove by today there is nothing left to see other than the replacement which is the famed Mall of America. In the picture below you see the old Metropolitan Stadium, home to the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. That's the Minnesota North Stars Met Center in the background. These facilities were located in my hometown, Bloomington and were my play ground as a kid. As a young teen my buddies and I had five or six ways to sneak into the ball park. Later I worked as a popcorn and pop (that is what it is called in Minnesota) vendor for the Twins. When the hockey rink was built in 1967 and the North Stars started playing, my mom was the first aide nurse so she would hook me up with tickets. I was reminded of the old days yesterday when I saw an article that said it was 52 years ago that a group of owners in Minneapolis and St. Paul learned they would become one of six new NHL teams to begin play a year and a half later. The franchise that would become the Dallas Stars in 1993 was born in 1966. I know I have mentioned this before that I have my ticket stub from the very first Stars home game on October 11, 1967. I wonder if the Dallas Stars would have any interest in the donation of this piece of Stars history?
As an aside the franchise fee in 1966 was $2,000,000. Las Vegas paid $500 million for their franchise and reports say the next franchise will cost between $600-$700 million.
 |
| Metropolitan Stadium with the Metropolitan Sports Center in the background |
Monday, February 19, 2018
What's Wrong With the Allen Americans? The Stats and the Theories
The question I get asked more than any other these days and I am sure the one fans are asking themselves and each other is, what is wrong with the Allen Americans this season? My reply to that question is usually based on stats but maybe, just maybe the answer to that question isn't in the statistics. In the past the team was always greater than the sum of the parts, a skilled group of guys willing to do what was necessary for the team to achieve a goal. So far this season the whole is less than the sum of the parts.
- Let me tackle the stats part first as that is always easier for me. Here is a comparison of some stats covering the four seasons Allen has been in the ECHL. The info for this season is projected over 72 games for goals scored, goals allowed, goal differential, assists, plus/minus and losses.
Games Lost (including OT & SO losses)
2017-18: 38 (actual is 28 losses after 53 games)
2016-17: 23
2015-16: 31
2014-15: 24
Goals Scored
2017-18: 235 (173 through 53 games)
2016-17: 294
2015-16: 222
2014-15: 292
Goals Allowed
2017-18: 230 (170 through 53 games)
2016-17: 203
2015-16: 204
2014-15: 203
Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against)
2017-18: +5 (+3 through 53 games)
2016-17: +91
2015-16: +18
2014-15: +89
Assists
2017-18: 404 (298 through 53 games)
2016-17: 502
2015-16: 402
2014-15: 507
Power Play %
2017-18: 17.5%
2016-17: 24.4%
2015-16: 21.1%
2014-15: 21.9%
Penalty Kill %
2017-18: 79.8%
2016-17: 84.4%
2015-16: 86.4%
2014-15: 86.3%
PP% + PK% (the best teams achieve 105%)
2017-18: 97.3%
2016-17: 108.8%
2015-16: 107.5%
2014-15: 108.2%
Goals Against Average
2017-18: 3.14
2016-17: 2.76
2015-16: 2.75
2014-15: 2.73
Plus/Minus
2017-18: +65 (+48 through 53 games)
2016-17: +334
2015-16: -11
2014-15: +291
- It is easy to look at the stats above and conclude this is the worst team since Allen joined the ECHL. The worst power play and penalty kill makes for by far the worst special teams. The GAA is the highest since joining the ECHL which will lead to record losses this season. But also notice the Americans won the Kelly Cup in 2015-16 with a plus/minus rating of -11 and had a goal differential of only +22.
- So what could account for the performance this season? This is a very talented group of players. There are 11 players on the team that were drafted by the NHL and 15 who have played in the AHL. There are 900 games of AHL experience on this team.
- Spending a lot of time with coach Martinson over the past six years is like taking a Masters Program in how to win championships. He doesn't have a list of principles to winning but if you talk hockey with him enough there are themes you hear over and over again.
- It is clear to me there is something missing from this team other than raw talent. The results of four games one week apart this month says more than words can convey about the inconsistency of this team. Allen beat the #1 team in the ECHL twice by scores of 5-2 and 5-1 only to turn around one week later and lose twice to the #1 team in the ECHL by scores of 4-0 and 4-1.
- I had a conversation with coach Martinson after the loss on Saturday and here are some of the issues he is looking at:
1. Championship experience helps build championship teams and while there are a lot of good leaders in the locker room there is a tremendous amount of championship experience leadership missing from last season. Riley Gill is the winningest playoff goalie in the history of the ECHL, has three Kelly Cups but has played only two games this season. Others missing that have won multiple championships in Allen include Chad Costello, Gary Steffes, Dyson Stevenson, Greger Hanson and Aaron Gens.
2. There are steps you have to take in order to win and I am not talking about stats. How do you carry yourself off the ice. Are you doing everything you can to help your team with your off ice conditioning and nutrition programs. Partying is part of life when you are young but when, where and how can impact the team.
3. There is a way to play to win. Skill and stats that come from teams that don't win can be suspect. Is scoring more important than winning and is shooting more important than a great pass? Is your focus on what you have to do to get to the next level or is your focus on what you can do to make this team better and if you do that getting to the next level will take care of itself. Are defensive responsibilities important or a necessary evil? Is everyone committed to getting the puck in and out of the zone the right way?
4. If the team comes first and you are willing to do whatever is best for the team it does not always serve your own best interest. If everyone buys in to this approach you have a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. That is when championship teams/contenders are born.
- Call ups and injuries have certainly been a factor this season but that happens every season. This team has the talent to win every night. There are steps you have to take to win and there is a way to play to win. It is in the players control to make it happen and time is running out to get back on the right path.
- You can be assured there will be changes over the next month as coach Martinson tries to improve the roster. It could be by means of trades, recruiting players just finishing college or players just completing their junior careers. Players on the Allen roster are literally playing for their jobs and recent performance would indicate jobs are in jeopardy.
DID YOU KNOW: Wouldn't you know the day I choose to talk about past championship leadership this photo shows up on Facebook. Chad Costello and Greger Hanson share the career goals scored record in Allen at 98. The have five championships between them and each was a playoff MVP. Chad has three scoring titles and three regular season MVP titles as well. In their three ECHL seasons with Allen they combined for over 500 points and averaged a goal and two assists per game. Chad and Greger are playing in the same league in Germany this season for different teams that aren't far apart. The league is on a break for the Olympics so the Hanson's and Costello's had the chance to catch up. Oh how the Americans could use these guys right now!
- Let me tackle the stats part first as that is always easier for me. Here is a comparison of some stats covering the four seasons Allen has been in the ECHL. The info for this season is projected over 72 games for goals scored, goals allowed, goal differential, assists, plus/minus and losses.
Games Lost (including OT & SO losses)
2017-18: 38 (actual is 28 losses after 53 games)
2016-17: 23
2015-16: 31
2014-15: 24
Goals Scored
2017-18: 235 (173 through 53 games)
2016-17: 294
2015-16: 222
2014-15: 292
Goals Allowed
2017-18: 230 (170 through 53 games)
2016-17: 203
2015-16: 204
2014-15: 203
Goal Differential (goals for minus goals against)
2017-18: +5 (+3 through 53 games)
2016-17: +91
2015-16: +18
2014-15: +89
Assists
2017-18: 404 (298 through 53 games)
2016-17: 502
2015-16: 402
2014-15: 507
Power Play %
2017-18: 17.5%
2016-17: 24.4%
2015-16: 21.1%
2014-15: 21.9%
Penalty Kill %
2017-18: 79.8%
2016-17: 84.4%
2015-16: 86.4%
2014-15: 86.3%
PP% + PK% (the best teams achieve 105%)
2017-18: 97.3%
2016-17: 108.8%
2015-16: 107.5%
2014-15: 108.2%
Goals Against Average
2017-18: 3.14
2016-17: 2.76
2015-16: 2.75
2014-15: 2.73
Plus/Minus
2017-18: +65 (+48 through 53 games)
2016-17: +334
2015-16: -11
2014-15: +291
- It is easy to look at the stats above and conclude this is the worst team since Allen joined the ECHL. The worst power play and penalty kill makes for by far the worst special teams. The GAA is the highest since joining the ECHL which will lead to record losses this season. But also notice the Americans won the Kelly Cup in 2015-16 with a plus/minus rating of -11 and had a goal differential of only +22.
- So what could account for the performance this season? This is a very talented group of players. There are 11 players on the team that were drafted by the NHL and 15 who have played in the AHL. There are 900 games of AHL experience on this team.
- Spending a lot of time with coach Martinson over the past six years is like taking a Masters Program in how to win championships. He doesn't have a list of principles to winning but if you talk hockey with him enough there are themes you hear over and over again.
- It is clear to me there is something missing from this team other than raw talent. The results of four games one week apart this month says more than words can convey about the inconsistency of this team. Allen beat the #1 team in the ECHL twice by scores of 5-2 and 5-1 only to turn around one week later and lose twice to the #1 team in the ECHL by scores of 4-0 and 4-1.
- I had a conversation with coach Martinson after the loss on Saturday and here are some of the issues he is looking at:
1. Championship experience helps build championship teams and while there are a lot of good leaders in the locker room there is a tremendous amount of championship experience leadership missing from last season. Riley Gill is the winningest playoff goalie in the history of the ECHL, has three Kelly Cups but has played only two games this season. Others missing that have won multiple championships in Allen include Chad Costello, Gary Steffes, Dyson Stevenson, Greger Hanson and Aaron Gens.
2. There are steps you have to take in order to win and I am not talking about stats. How do you carry yourself off the ice. Are you doing everything you can to help your team with your off ice conditioning and nutrition programs. Partying is part of life when you are young but when, where and how can impact the team.
3. There is a way to play to win. Skill and stats that come from teams that don't win can be suspect. Is scoring more important than winning and is shooting more important than a great pass? Is your focus on what you have to do to get to the next level or is your focus on what you can do to make this team better and if you do that getting to the next level will take care of itself. Are defensive responsibilities important or a necessary evil? Is everyone committed to getting the puck in and out of the zone the right way?
4. If the team comes first and you are willing to do whatever is best for the team it does not always serve your own best interest. If everyone buys in to this approach you have a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. That is when championship teams/contenders are born.
- Call ups and injuries have certainly been a factor this season but that happens every season. This team has the talent to win every night. There are steps you have to take to win and there is a way to play to win. It is in the players control to make it happen and time is running out to get back on the right path.
- You can be assured there will be changes over the next month as coach Martinson tries to improve the roster. It could be by means of trades, recruiting players just finishing college or players just completing their junior careers. Players on the Allen roster are literally playing for their jobs and recent performance would indicate jobs are in jeopardy.
DID YOU KNOW: Wouldn't you know the day I choose to talk about past championship leadership this photo shows up on Facebook. Chad Costello and Greger Hanson share the career goals scored record in Allen at 98. The have five championships between them and each was a playoff MVP. Chad has three scoring titles and three regular season MVP titles as well. In their three ECHL seasons with Allen they combined for over 500 points and averaged a goal and two assists per game. Chad and Greger are playing in the same league in Germany this season for different teams that aren't far apart. The league is on a break for the Olympics so the Hanson's and Costello's had the chance to catch up. Oh how the Americans could use these guys right now!
 |
| L to R Ashley & Chad Costello and Greger & Andrea Hanson |
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Allen Loses 3-1 as Utah Sweeps the Americans, Game Recap, Video Highlights, Division Standings Tighten, Post Game Skate Photos & More
The expectation was for a big game from the Allen Americans last night. They were coming off a disappointing 5-4 loss to Utah on Friday night and that in and of itself was motivation enough. When you add in the enthusiasm of a big crowd (4811), Olympic (aka Winter Sports) night complete with Miracle on Ice clips and a sea of red jerseys in the crowd on youth jersey night there was great optimism the Americans would beat the Grizzlies.
- What the fans witnessed last night was a 3-1 Americans loss to the Grizzlies in a game that was eerily similar to the loss on Friday. Two former Allen Americans led the way again. Just like Friday night, Jake Marchment scored the first goal of the game. Jake scored at the 1:40 mark and the goal came on Utah's first shot of the game. Joel Rumpel, who was the winning goalie on Friday night, was in the net again for Utah. Joel stopped 32 of 33 Allen which computes to a .970 save percentage.
- Just like Friday night, Allen gave up the first goal of the game and was trailing after the first period. As a reminder Allen hasn't won a home game all season when trailing after the first. The shots on goal were close (35-33) but Utah had the edge. Allen scored their only goal of the game on the power play which was great since they were mired in a 1-28 (3.6%) slump. They are now in a 2-36 (5.9%) slump. However, Allen lost the special teams battle giving up power play goals on Utah's first two opportunities.
- Allen played without Bryan Moore who was serving a one game suspension for a slew foot that was not called during the game on Friday night. In addition, goalie Stephon Williams was injured when he was interfered with at the 15:48 mark of the first period. Williams finished the period but did not return to the the ice after the first intermission. Jeremy Brodeur took over the last two periods and saved 21 of 22 shots.
- Allen's lone goal came in the first period and tied the score 1-1. Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored his 15th goal of the season assisted by Vincent Arseneau and Spencer Asuchak. Notice all of the traffic around the net on Casey's goal. Here is the Sporfie highlight package which includes all of the goals and the goalie interference that caused the Williams injury.
- The highlight package at ECHL Rewind gives you a better view of the hit Williams took. It doesn't look that violent but if you watch closely you can see Stephon's head snap back. The player that hit him is a huge guy. https://www.echl.com/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: http://www.utahgrizzlies.com/team-news/headline-news/?article_id=3468
- Steve Martinson's post game comments+ were pretty much of a repeat of his comments after the loss on Friday. I can say with some confidence Martinson is trying to improve the roster and the trade of Marcus Basara to Wheeling is just the beginning. Coach Martinson mentioned in his pregame interview with Kayla McLain (see below) that the future considerations he received in the Basara trade would be a player he will get before the trade deadline.
OTHER COMMENTS
- You could have made a lot of money betting the Allen Americans would lose two games against Utah this weekend and the Tulsa Oilers would beat the #1 team in the league (Florida Everblades) twice but that is exactly what happened. Tulsa not only beat Florida they did so handily winning on Friday 3-1 and last night 3-0. Playing just one week apart Allen was outscored 8-1 in two loses to Florida while Tulsa outscored Florida 6-1 in two wins. The Americans are now in the unenviable position of being closer to fifth place and out of the playoffs than they are to third place in the Mountain Division. Tulsa is only three points behind Allen while third place Wichita has opened up a four point lead on the Americans.
- Tulsa and Wichita are both in action this afternoon while Allen is idle so things could get worse for the Americans. Wichita is at home against Rapid City and Tulsa is at home against Indy. By the end of the day Allen could be six points out of third place and one point out of fifth place.
- Idaho beat Colorado 5-4 in a shootout last night. It was their sixth straight game against each other and contrary to conventional wisdom there were only five minor penalties called in the entire game. Idaho won five of the six games in this long series and has closed to within four points of division leading Colorado.
- With the two losses to Utah the Americans are officially a middle of the pack team or some might say a so-so team. With a .528 winning percentage there are 13 teams better than Allen and 13 teams worse than Allen. Is it just me or does it seem like with the winning tradition in Allen being in the middle of the pack feels like abject failure?
- Allen has lost five of their last six games and in those five losses has scored only eight goals averaging 1.6 goals per game. The Americans had four goals in a losing cause Friday night but in the other four losses the goals scored were 2,1,0,1.
- As mentioned above the Allen power play has been in a free fall recently going 2-36 (5.9%) over the last seven games. The Americans power play started the season poorly. In early November the power play was ranked #24 at 11.9%. The power play was vastly improved in December and early January climbing to a ranking of #4 at 20.5%. In the last six weeks the power play has struggled again and currently ranks #12 in the ECHL at 17.5%.
- The Americans will be idle until they travel to Kansas City for two games on Friday and Saturday. Needless to say after dropping two home games to Utah it makes the games in Kansas City even more important for Allen.
POST GAME SKATE PHOTOS
- It has to be very difficult for the players to lose the way they did last night and have to stay after the game to skate with fans. I am always impressed with how great the guys are with the kids even in these trying situations. Here are a few photos from Lauren Lyssy that capture the joy of the kids meeting the players:
DID YOU KNOW: I frequently talk about the importance of scoring the first goal of the game. Did you know the Allen Americans are currently on a streak of 13 straight games where the team that scored first won the game. Unfortunately the Americans scored first in only five of the last 13 games.
- What the fans witnessed last night was a 3-1 Americans loss to the Grizzlies in a game that was eerily similar to the loss on Friday. Two former Allen Americans led the way again. Just like Friday night, Jake Marchment scored the first goal of the game. Jake scored at the 1:40 mark and the goal came on Utah's first shot of the game. Joel Rumpel, who was the winning goalie on Friday night, was in the net again for Utah. Joel stopped 32 of 33 Allen which computes to a .970 save percentage.
- Just like Friday night, Allen gave up the first goal of the game and was trailing after the first period. As a reminder Allen hasn't won a home game all season when trailing after the first. The shots on goal were close (35-33) but Utah had the edge. Allen scored their only goal of the game on the power play which was great since they were mired in a 1-28 (3.6%) slump. They are now in a 2-36 (5.9%) slump. However, Allen lost the special teams battle giving up power play goals on Utah's first two opportunities.
- Allen played without Bryan Moore who was serving a one game suspension for a slew foot that was not called during the game on Friday night. In addition, goalie Stephon Williams was injured when he was interfered with at the 15:48 mark of the first period. Williams finished the period but did not return to the the ice after the first intermission. Jeremy Brodeur took over the last two periods and saved 21 of 22 shots.
- Allen's lone goal came in the first period and tied the score 1-1. Casey Pierro-Zabotel scored his 15th goal of the season assisted by Vincent Arseneau and Spencer Asuchak. Notice all of the traffic around the net on Casey's goal. Here is the Sporfie highlight package which includes all of the goals and the goalie interference that caused the Williams injury.
- The highlight package at ECHL Rewind gives you a better view of the hit Williams took. It doesn't look that violent but if you watch closely you can see Stephon's head snap back. The player that hit him is a huge guy. https://www.echl.com/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: http://www.utahgrizzlies.com/team-news/headline-news/?article_id=3468
- Steve Martinson's post game comments+ were pretty much of a repeat of his comments after the loss on Friday. I can say with some confidence Martinson is trying to improve the roster and the trade of Marcus Basara to Wheeling is just the beginning. Coach Martinson mentioned in his pregame interview with Kayla McLain (see below) that the future considerations he received in the Basara trade would be a player he will get before the trade deadline.
OTHER COMMENTS
- You could have made a lot of money betting the Allen Americans would lose two games against Utah this weekend and the Tulsa Oilers would beat the #1 team in the league (Florida Everblades) twice but that is exactly what happened. Tulsa not only beat Florida they did so handily winning on Friday 3-1 and last night 3-0. Playing just one week apart Allen was outscored 8-1 in two loses to Florida while Tulsa outscored Florida 6-1 in two wins. The Americans are now in the unenviable position of being closer to fifth place and out of the playoffs than they are to third place in the Mountain Division. Tulsa is only three points behind Allen while third place Wichita has opened up a four point lead on the Americans.
- Tulsa and Wichita are both in action this afternoon while Allen is idle so things could get worse for the Americans. Wichita is at home against Rapid City and Tulsa is at home against Indy. By the end of the day Allen could be six points out of third place and one point out of fifth place.
- Idaho beat Colorado 5-4 in a shootout last night. It was their sixth straight game against each other and contrary to conventional wisdom there were only five minor penalties called in the entire game. Idaho won five of the six games in this long series and has closed to within four points of division leading Colorado.
- With the two losses to Utah the Americans are officially a middle of the pack team or some might say a so-so team. With a .528 winning percentage there are 13 teams better than Allen and 13 teams worse than Allen. Is it just me or does it seem like with the winning tradition in Allen being in the middle of the pack feels like abject failure?
- Allen has lost five of their last six games and in those five losses has scored only eight goals averaging 1.6 goals per game. The Americans had four goals in a losing cause Friday night but in the other four losses the goals scored were 2,1,0,1.
- As mentioned above the Allen power play has been in a free fall recently going 2-36 (5.9%) over the last seven games. The Americans power play started the season poorly. In early November the power play was ranked #24 at 11.9%. The power play was vastly improved in December and early January climbing to a ranking of #4 at 20.5%. In the last six weeks the power play has struggled again and currently ranks #12 in the ECHL at 17.5%.
- The Americans will be idle until they travel to Kansas City for two games on Friday and Saturday. Needless to say after dropping two home games to Utah it makes the games in Kansas City even more important for Allen.
POST GAME SKATE PHOTOS
- It has to be very difficult for the players to lose the way they did last night and have to stay after the game to skate with fans. I am always impressed with how great the guys are with the kids even in these trying situations. Here are a few photos from Lauren Lyssy that capture the joy of the kids meeting the players:
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| Mike Gunn chatting with a future Allen American |
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| Dalton Thrower signing this guy's new jersey |
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| Zach Pochiro creating a great experience for two young boys and dad too |
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| Jeremy Brodeur with an obviously pleased young scout |
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| Love the look on this boys face as Josh Thrower signs his jersey |
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| Post game skates can be a family affair - Big Zabby & Little Zabby |
DID YOU KNOW: I frequently talk about the importance of scoring the first goal of the game. Did you know the Allen Americans are currently on a streak of 13 straight games where the team that scored first won the game. Unfortunately the Americans scored first in only five of the last 13 games.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Allen Loses to Utah 5-4, Game Recap, Steve Martinson's Comments, Rematch Preview & Odd Stat of the Day
The Allen Americans have been plagued by inconsistent play all season and that inconsistency showed up again last night. The Americans fell to the Utah Grizzlies 5-4 before 3805 disappointed fans at the Allen Event Center (AEC) in a game that was not as close as the score indicates.
- Former Allen forward, Jake Marchment, playing his first game for Utah, scored the only goal of the first period and that was an ominous sign since the Americans have not shown the ability to come from behind. Their record when trailing after the first period now stands at 2-10-2-0.
- To the Americans credit they did manage to score two second period goals to tie the score 2-2 but then gave up three unanswered goals to Utah and the game was out of reach. After the Grizzlies had a 5-2 lead the Americans scored the final two goals of the game including one with the goalie pulled at the 19:19 mark.
- In addition to Marchment, another former Allen American played a big role in the victory. Goalie Joel Rumpel, who was just acquired by Utah in a trade, was starting his second game for the Grizzlies and came up with his first win.
- It was in many ways a new look for Utah last night. Rumpel was playing in his second game, Marchment was in a group of four players playing in their first game for the Grizzlies and they had two other players in the line up who have been out with injuries for over a month.
- The typical stats in a losing cause all showed up last night. Allen failed to score the first goal of the game, they trailed after the first period, they got out shot (36-29), they gave up a power play goal (1-6), they failed to score on the power play (0-4) and they allowed a shorthanded goal.
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans with quotes from captain Joel Chouinard. https://allenamericans.com/americans-comeback-stalls/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: http://www.utahgrizzlies.com/team-news/headline-news/?article_id=3467
- Goal scorers for Allen were David Makowski (9 & 10), Alex Guptill (20) and Zach Pochiro (12). There is a video highlight package at ECHL Rewind of the goals, the Moore vs Melindy scrum/fight and another monster Vincent Arseneau check. https://www.echl.com/
- Here are the Sporfie highlights on three of Allen's goals:
Alex Guptill - Alex scored his team leading 20th goal of the season on a great individual effort using the defender as a screen. https://sporfie.app.link/GKc61rMaBK
David Makowski - David gets his second goal of the game and 10th of the season. It was an unassisted goal but watch the job Bryan Moore does to screen the goalie. https://sporfie.app.link/ipub41MSBK
Zach Pochiro - With the goalie pulled and an extra attacker on the ice Zach scores his 12th goal of the season on a tip in. Makowski passes the puck to the point and Chouinard takes the shot. https://sporfie.app.link/3Z6VcK5fBK
STEVE MARTINSON'S COMMENTS
- Steve Martinson thought the team had a good week of practice and was ready for a good game against Utah. Here is his pregame interview with Kayla McLain:
Here are coach Martinson's post game comments. When I stopped by his office after the game, to no surprise, he was already in the process of reviewing video to see where the defensive breakdowns occurred on the goals allowed, taking a video clip of six men on the ice on one of the Utah goals and making plans for the rematch on Saturday. Sure he was frustrated and it was as he often says painful to watch some of the goals allowed but his focus was on what he can do to make the team better for the next game. His hatred of losing, passion for the game and attention to detail is always evident.
"Too many soft plays that ended up giving them quality scoring chances."
"They didn't have to work too hard on the plays they scored on."
"We turned the puck over way too many times. On their fourth goal we had full possession of the puck, turned it over and they scored. The fifth goal we had full possession of the puck, turned it over and they scored."
"On their power play goal Utah brings the puck to the net and the next thing you know is we have all of our guys laying on the ice or at the side of the net. Marchment is all alone in front of the net and nobody takes him.
"It is most frustrating when we have full possession turnovers. We don't get a shot and it turns into a shot for them. That is why we are getting out shot. That seems to be our Achilles heel."
ALLEN VS UTAH REMATCH PREVIEW
- Allen has scored one power play goal in the last six games with a power play percentage of 3.6% (1-28). Add in the short handed goal the power play unit allowed last night and the group has given up as many goals as they have scored over six games. You are not going to win many games with a power play as anemic as that. Over the same six games the penalty kill is at 80.8% (5-26). A big key tonight for Allen is to stay away from stick penalties and they must score a power play goal if they expect to win.
- Allen is ranked #23 in the ECHL allowing their opponents an average of almost 37 shots on goal per game. As coach Martinson mentioned in his post game comments when they give up full possession turnovers it is a lost shot opportunity for the Americans and additional shot opportunity for the opponent. Utah has out shot Allen 111-81 in three games this season. This by a team with a .451 winning percentage who had lost six of their last seven games prior to last night. It is obviously important to win puck battles but if Allen expects to win tonight they must cut down on the full possession turnovers.
- As for roster changes tonight coach Martinson made it clear with just six games in three weeks his only consideration on who plays is who gives the team the best chance of winning. It is not about rest, rotation or anything else.
- Despite their struggles this season, Allen is still a pretty good home team. It is hard to believe overall the Americans have lost more games (27) than they have won (21). However, if you look at just their home record since December 1st it is 9-5-2-0. Look for a big effort from the team tonight before a big crowd. It should be a big and enthusiastic crowd with free red Allen Americans youth jerseys going to the first 1500 children (12 and under) through the doors.
- If you didn't like the officiating crew last night you won't like the one tonight because it is exactly the same. Officials scheduled for the game are referee Andrew Bruggeman (#25) and linesmen Brian Bull (#95) and Aaron Schacht (#31).
OTHER COMMENTS
- Zach Pochiro scored his 12th goal of the season last night in just his 22nd game of the season for the Americans. Quite an improvement over last season when he had three goals in 42 games.
- All of the teams around Allen in the Mountain Division standings won last night. Tulsa beat Florida 3-1, Wichita beat Rapid City 3-1 and Idaho shutout Colorado 3-0. Allen is in sole possession of fourth in the division five points ahead of fifth place Tulsa, two points behind third place Wichita and eight points behind second place Idaho.
- The Americans will be wearing the "winter sports" specialty jersey tonight and it is a sharp looking jersey. Just a reminder if you are interested in owning one of these jerseys the online auction is currently underway and will end tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:00 pm. There are still eight jerseys with no starting bid ($249). Here is the website: https://one.bidpal.net/goamericans/browse/all
- I get asked almost every day when Olivier Archambault might return to Allen. While nobody knows with any certainty, the answer to that question is it won't be any time soon based on how Olivier has performed since joining the Syracuse Crunch. Archambault has played in nine games with Syracuse and has five points (3 goals 2 assists) and his plus/minus is +4. He has not had a minus game yet. The Crunch play at Charlotte tonight and again Sunday afternoon.
DID YOU KNOW: Have to put this one in the odd stat of the day category. With his two goals and an assist last night David Makowski has tied Matt Register for the ECHL lead in points by defensemen with 44. They are not only tied in points (44), they are tied in goals (10), assists (34) and plus/minus (+24). They are not tied in games played however, Register has played in 50 games while Makowski has played in only 45.
- Former Allen forward, Jake Marchment, playing his first game for Utah, scored the only goal of the first period and that was an ominous sign since the Americans have not shown the ability to come from behind. Their record when trailing after the first period now stands at 2-10-2-0.
- To the Americans credit they did manage to score two second period goals to tie the score 2-2 but then gave up three unanswered goals to Utah and the game was out of reach. After the Grizzlies had a 5-2 lead the Americans scored the final two goals of the game including one with the goalie pulled at the 19:19 mark.
- In addition to Marchment, another former Allen American played a big role in the victory. Goalie Joel Rumpel, who was just acquired by Utah in a trade, was starting his second game for the Grizzlies and came up with his first win.
- It was in many ways a new look for Utah last night. Rumpel was playing in his second game, Marchment was in a group of four players playing in their first game for the Grizzlies and they had two other players in the line up who have been out with injuries for over a month.
- The typical stats in a losing cause all showed up last night. Allen failed to score the first goal of the game, they trailed after the first period, they got out shot (36-29), they gave up a power play goal (1-6), they failed to score on the power play (0-4) and they allowed a shorthanded goal.
- Here is the game recap issued by the Allen Americans with quotes from captain Joel Chouinard. https://allenamericans.com/americans-comeback-stalls/
- Here is the game recap issued by the Utah Grizzlies: http://www.utahgrizzlies.com/team-news/headline-news/?article_id=3467
- Goal scorers for Allen were David Makowski (9 & 10), Alex Guptill (20) and Zach Pochiro (12). There is a video highlight package at ECHL Rewind of the goals, the Moore vs Melindy scrum/fight and another monster Vincent Arseneau check. https://www.echl.com/
- Here are the Sporfie highlights on three of Allen's goals:
Alex Guptill - Alex scored his team leading 20th goal of the season on a great individual effort using the defender as a screen. https://sporfie.app.link/GKc61rMaBK
David Makowski - David gets his second goal of the game and 10th of the season. It was an unassisted goal but watch the job Bryan Moore does to screen the goalie. https://sporfie.app.link/ipub41MSBK
Zach Pochiro - With the goalie pulled and an extra attacker on the ice Zach scores his 12th goal of the season on a tip in. Makowski passes the puck to the point and Chouinard takes the shot. https://sporfie.app.link/3Z6VcK5fBK
STEVE MARTINSON'S COMMENTS
- Steve Martinson thought the team had a good week of practice and was ready for a good game against Utah. Here is his pregame interview with Kayla McLain:
Here are coach Martinson's post game comments. When I stopped by his office after the game, to no surprise, he was already in the process of reviewing video to see where the defensive breakdowns occurred on the goals allowed, taking a video clip of six men on the ice on one of the Utah goals and making plans for the rematch on Saturday. Sure he was frustrated and it was as he often says painful to watch some of the goals allowed but his focus was on what he can do to make the team better for the next game. His hatred of losing, passion for the game and attention to detail is always evident.
"Too many soft plays that ended up giving them quality scoring chances."
"They didn't have to work too hard on the plays they scored on."
"We turned the puck over way too many times. On their fourth goal we had full possession of the puck, turned it over and they scored. The fifth goal we had full possession of the puck, turned it over and they scored."
"On their power play goal Utah brings the puck to the net and the next thing you know is we have all of our guys laying on the ice or at the side of the net. Marchment is all alone in front of the net and nobody takes him.
"It is most frustrating when we have full possession turnovers. We don't get a shot and it turns into a shot for them. That is why we are getting out shot. That seems to be our Achilles heel."
ALLEN VS UTAH REMATCH PREVIEW
- Allen has scored one power play goal in the last six games with a power play percentage of 3.6% (1-28). Add in the short handed goal the power play unit allowed last night and the group has given up as many goals as they have scored over six games. You are not going to win many games with a power play as anemic as that. Over the same six games the penalty kill is at 80.8% (5-26). A big key tonight for Allen is to stay away from stick penalties and they must score a power play goal if they expect to win.
- Allen is ranked #23 in the ECHL allowing their opponents an average of almost 37 shots on goal per game. As coach Martinson mentioned in his post game comments when they give up full possession turnovers it is a lost shot opportunity for the Americans and additional shot opportunity for the opponent. Utah has out shot Allen 111-81 in three games this season. This by a team with a .451 winning percentage who had lost six of their last seven games prior to last night. It is obviously important to win puck battles but if Allen expects to win tonight they must cut down on the full possession turnovers.
- As for roster changes tonight coach Martinson made it clear with just six games in three weeks his only consideration on who plays is who gives the team the best chance of winning. It is not about rest, rotation or anything else.
- Despite their struggles this season, Allen is still a pretty good home team. It is hard to believe overall the Americans have lost more games (27) than they have won (21). However, if you look at just their home record since December 1st it is 9-5-2-0. Look for a big effort from the team tonight before a big crowd. It should be a big and enthusiastic crowd with free red Allen Americans youth jerseys going to the first 1500 children (12 and under) through the doors.
- If you didn't like the officiating crew last night you won't like the one tonight because it is exactly the same. Officials scheduled for the game are referee Andrew Bruggeman (#25) and linesmen Brian Bull (#95) and Aaron Schacht (#31).
OTHER COMMENTS
- Zach Pochiro scored his 12th goal of the season last night in just his 22nd game of the season for the Americans. Quite an improvement over last season when he had three goals in 42 games.
- All of the teams around Allen in the Mountain Division standings won last night. Tulsa beat Florida 3-1, Wichita beat Rapid City 3-1 and Idaho shutout Colorado 3-0. Allen is in sole possession of fourth in the division five points ahead of fifth place Tulsa, two points behind third place Wichita and eight points behind second place Idaho.
- The Americans will be wearing the "winter sports" specialty jersey tonight and it is a sharp looking jersey. Just a reminder if you are interested in owning one of these jerseys the online auction is currently underway and will end tomorrow (Sunday) at 9:00 pm. There are still eight jerseys with no starting bid ($249). Here is the website: https://one.bidpal.net/goamericans/browse/all
- I get asked almost every day when Olivier Archambault might return to Allen. While nobody knows with any certainty, the answer to that question is it won't be any time soon based on how Olivier has performed since joining the Syracuse Crunch. Archambault has played in nine games with Syracuse and has five points (3 goals 2 assists) and his plus/minus is +4. He has not had a minus game yet. The Crunch play at Charlotte tonight and again Sunday afternoon.
DID YOU KNOW: Have to put this one in the odd stat of the day category. With his two goals and an assist last night David Makowski has tied Matt Register for the ECHL lead in points by defensemen with 44. They are not only tied in points (44), they are tied in goals (10), assists (34) and plus/minus (+24). They are not tied in games played however, Register has played in 50 games while Makowski has played in only 45.
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